Rooftop solar power in Sri Lanka has reached a critical turning point as the country responds to the combined pressures of the economic crisis, rising electricity tariffs and national climate commitments. What was once considered an optional investment for affluent households is increasingly becoming a practical solution for ordinary consumers, businesses and industries seeking lower energy costs and greater independence from the national grid.

A former General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board observed that repeated tariff increases by the CEB and LECO have significantly accelerated public interest in rooftop solar systems.

According to him, many consumers now view solar power not as a luxury, but as a safeguard against future electricity price hikes and supply uncertainties.

The 2022 fuel shortage and prolonged power cuts further changed public attitudes toward electricity generation. Thousands of Sri Lankans began to recognise the value of producing power at home, while companies and hotels turned to large-scale rooftop solar systems to reduce overheads and improve their environmental image.

Sri Lanka currently supports rooftop solar through several policy mechanisms. Under net metering, surplus electricity generated by a household or business is exported to the grid in exchange for credits on the monthly bill. Net accounting allows credits to be carried forward, while the net plus scheme enables users to sell all electricity generated to the national grid at an approved tariff. These schemes have played an important role in encouraging private investment in renewable energy.

However, the sector still faces major constraints. The initial installation cost remains high for many middle-income families despite the long-term financial benefits. In addition, parts of Sri Lanka’s electricity distribution network are outdated, and transformers in certain areas cannot absorb large volumes of surplus solar energy. Lengthy approval procedures and delays in finalising agreements with utility providers have also discouraged prospective users.

Looking ahead, rooftop solar is expected to become a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s plan to generate 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Energy experts believe the next stage of development will involve hybrid systems that combine solar panels with battery storage. As lithium-ion battery prices continue to fall globally, more households and businesses are likely to store daytime solar energy for use at night or during power interruptions.

Commercial users are also expected to adopt battery systems to reduce peak-hour electricity consumption and lower operating costs. At the same time, banks may expand green financing schemes to make solar systems more affordable, while private companies could introduce power purchase agreement models that allow consumers to install systems with little or no upfront investment.

The future of rooftop solar will also depend on the emergence of smarter electricity networks. Digital meters and real-time monitoring systems could improve efficiency, while peer-to-peer energy trading may eventually allow households with excess electricity to sell directly to nearby consumers.

The former CEB General Manager said Sri Lanka now has a rare opportunity to transform its energy sector through distributed generation.

He stressed that if administrative procedures are simplified and the national grid is modernised, rooftop solar could become the main source of electricity for millions of Sri Lankans rather than a limited alternative for a few.

By Ifham Nizam

Indonesia and Sri Lanka have reached the final stages of a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations and an Agreement on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Official passports.

The Foreign Ministry made the announcement following talks between the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Anis Matta, and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Vijitha Herath, in Colombo, recently.

They expressed hope that the two sides would be able to conclude them in the near future, and hold the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Commission meeting, early.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, and reiterated their shared commitment to upholding peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. In view of the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, in 2027, both sides agreed on the importance of exchanging high-level visits.

Matta undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from April 23-25, on the invitation of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra.

A Labour Officer attached to the Haputale District Labour Office has been sentenced to a six-year jail term, in a case heard before the Colombo High Court.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said the charges had been filed against Amudamana Arachchige Nimal Rohana Somawardana, based on a complaint received on 02 September 2009 that he had solicited and accepted a bribe of Rs. 15,000 from a businessman operating a poultry farm in Weerasekaragama, Wellawaya.

Upon full consideration of the evidence led in the case, the Court determined that the prosecution had established the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, High Court Judge Mohomad Mihail convicted the accused on all three counts levelled against him under Case No. HCB 2116/2015, and imposed a 06-year prison sentence on each count, to run concurrently. In addition, the Court imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 for each count, along with a penalty equivalent to the bribe amount, Rs. 15,000. The conviction was delivered at Colombo High Court No. 06 on 23 April 2026. Thanuja Bandara, Assistant Director-General, conducted the prosecution on behalf of the Commission.”