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Govt. focuses on South-South cooperation in energy sector

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Strategic Steering Committee members pose for a ‘family photo’.

By Ifham Nizam

In a strategic move aimed at advancing national development efforts, the Sri Lankan government is intensifying its focus on South-South Cooperation in the energy sector. Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Power & Energy, reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to expanding partnerships with Southern hemisphere nations during a recent gathering in Colombo.

Jayawardena stressed the invaluable contributions from Chinese partners in renewable energy technologies at the Strategic Steering Committee meeting and summary workshop of the Biogas, Biomass, and Solar South-South and Trilateral Cooperation Project. This initiative, involving collaboration between Sri Lanka, China, and Ethiopia, aims to foster mutual understanding and facilitate knowledge exchange.

“We foresee an expanding arena for South-South cooperation, noted Jayawardena, highlighting Sri Lanka’s ambitious energy transition program geared towards achieving carbon neutrality. Leveraging international partnerships is pivotal to accelerating progress towards sustainable energy solutions.

Under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project has significantly enhanced local access to clean and renewable energy in Ethiopia and Sri Lanka. Implemented in partnership with China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy, the initiative underscores a robust framework for technological exchange and capacity building.

In Sri Lanka, the project deployed 262 Solar Powered Renewable Energy Technology Applications across five provinces, benefiting over 233 stakeholders, including vulnerable groups and women. Key outcomes include the establishment of an Energy Data Management System (EDMS) and the development of Provincial Energy Plans for the agriculture sector.

Reflecting on the project’s impact, Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP Sri Lanka, praised its role in advancing Sri Lanka’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and supporting local communities.

From the Chinese perspective, Chen Qizhen of the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21 highlighted the collaborative efforts in promoting green, low-carbon development through technology transfer and innovation.

Ms. Charu Bist, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ethiopia, underscored the project’s significance in addressing energy access deficits and promoting social equality in Ethiopia.

Ms. Beate Trankmann, Resident Representative of UNDP in China, emphasized the critical contribution of such partnerships amid global challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action.

The initiative exemplifies the spirit of South-South cooperation, fostering solidarity among nations towards achieving internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, observers said.



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SIA warns of 1,000 SME collapses, urges fair policies to protect Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar sector

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The Solar Industries Association (SIA) holds a press briefing in Colombo recently.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The Solar Industries Association (SIA), representing over 1,000 companies and employing 40,000 workers in Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar sector, issued a stern warning recently regarding threats to the industry’s survival and the nation’s renewable energy ambitions. The association condemned recent regulatory instability and called for urgent policy reforms to avert economic and social crises.

The SIA categorically rejected the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) claim that rooftop solar installations caused the recent island-wide power outage, calling the accusation “baseless and misleading.”

“Public trust is eroded when accountability is misdirected,” the SIA stated. “We demand an independent, transparent investigation led by experts appointed by the Ministry or the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL). The CEB’s unilateral statements disregard the sector’s contributions and jeopardize Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition,” they said.

“While acknowledging the formation of a tariff determination committee, the SIA criticized its narrow focus on financial parameters, ignoring the sector’s socioeconomic value. Rooftop solar empowers businesses and households with energy independence, reduces grid strain, and supports climate goals. However, proposed volatile tariff structures risk destabilizing over 100,000 installations—primarily owned by middle-class families—and deter future investment,” they noted.

“A rigid, equation-based tariff system is unsustainable,” the association warned. “Sri Lanka needs a stable policy framework to attract long-term investments. For instance, retirees could invest EPF savings into solar projects, securing income while advancing national energy targets. Without urgent action, 1,000 SMEs and 40,000 jobs face collapse, with dire consequences for employment, energy security, and economic stability,” they pointed out.

SIA urged policymakers to establish an independent committee to investigate the power outage fairly, expand the tariff committee’s mandate to include socioeconomic and environmental benefits and implement predictable policies to safeguard SMEs, households, and investor confidence.

“Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads,” the SIA emphasized. “Protecting rooftop solar isn’t just about energy—it’s about livelihoods, economic resilience, and a sustainable future. We urge stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that prioritize both people and progress,: they emphasized.

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SLT-MOBITEL partners with the Rush Lanka Group to power its apartment portfolio

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Imantha Wijekoon, Chief Business Officer - Consumer Business at SLT, and Zaid Ariff, Director of Construction at the Rush Lanka Group, exchange the signed agreement

SLT-MOBITEL has entered into a strategic partnership with Rush Lanka Group to provide exclusive SLT-MOBITEL Fibre connectivity solutions to their portfolio of luxury apartment developments in Colombo and the suburbs, enhancing the digital experience of all residents.

The agreement was signed between Imantha Wijekoon, Chief Business Officer of Consumer Business at SLT, and Zaid Ariff, Director of Construction at the Rush Group headquarters. Representatives from both companies also attended the ceremony.

Under the partnership, SLT-MOBITEL will serve as the exclusive digital service provider for five prestigious Rush Lanka developments including Street Rush Residencies and Rush Court 4 in Mt. Lavinia, Rush Tower 2, Rush Metropolis in Dehiwala, and Rush Court 5 in Colombo 14. The collaboration ensures residents will enjoy superior fibre connectivity speeds, enabling seamless digital experiences in modern smart homes. The partnership with the Rush Lanka Group aligns with SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to offer ultra-fast, reliable connectivity solutions to residential developments. Delivering exclusive fibre connectivity to luxury apartments, SLT-MOBITEL ensures residents have access to world-class digital services that complement the living experience promised by Rush Lanka Group.

Powered by advanced fibre technology, SLT-MOBITEL network will provide the residences with seamless performance across digital activities. The SLT-MOBITEL Fibre backbone ensures lag-free experiences whether tenants are gaming online, attending virtual classes, working remotely, or streaming high-definition entertainment. SLT-MOBITEL Fibre will transform the lifestyles of all apartment users bringing greater convenience and superior quality of life.

Rush Lanka Group, established in 1992, is a property developer specializing in luxury and semi-luxury apartments.

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Sri Lanka makes outstanding appearance at OTM and SATTE 2025 in India

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SLTPB has been a regular member of both OTM and SATTE trade fairs in India

Starting its promotional work for 2025, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) added another feather into its cap of endorsements, by being recognized as the most innovative Tourism Board promotion in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) . In parallel to that, several other sub events were held. The OTM was held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai—India, from 30th January to 01st February 2025.Before OTM, the Global Village – Global Exchange & Trade Exhibition was held at the Surat International Exhibition & Convention Centre , Sarsana, Surat (Gujarat – India , from 25th to 27th January 2025. This travel fair was organized by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Sri Lanka participated in both OTM and South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), held from 19th – 21st Feb 2025, in New Delhi, India . This was an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to promote it’s potential as a unique travel destination, especially for the Indian counterparts, as SLTPB has identified India as the number one source market for Sri Lanka, tourism bringing the largest number of tourist arrivals to the destination.

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