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‘Policy flip-flops and grid woes jeopardise green transition’

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Sri Lanka’s renewable energy puzzle

Sri Lanka’s ambitious renewable energy transition stands at a precarious juncture, caught between political promises and policy paralysis. A sudden government decision to slash rooftop solar tariffs has triggered alarm among businesses and investors, exposing deeper systemic flaws in the nation’s energy strategy. The Island spoke with Dr. Lakmal Fernando (NCCSL Power & Energy Committee Chairman) and Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe (Energy Analyst) to dissect the crisis.

Q: The NCCSL termed recent solar policy changes “disastrous.” What’s the fallout?

A. The SME sector—the backbone of Sri Lanka’s renewable drive—faces existential threats. Over 800 solar firms employing 50,000+ workers (with 200,000 dependents) risk collapse, jeopardizing maintenance for 100,000+ rooftop installations. Worse, abandoning rupee-denominated solar projects for dollar-based power agreements will escalate electricity costs as the rupee depreciates post-2027. This isn’t just energy policy – it’s economic suicide.

Q: Is the 70% renewable target by 2030 still viable?

A: The government’s rhetoric clashes with reality. While the NPP pledged accelerated green targets, Energy Ministry officials publicly disavowed the 70% goal, provoking ADB’s ire. Appointing anti-renewable voices like Dr. Siyambalapitiya at CEB accelerated the backslide, baselessly blaming solar for blackouts, arbitrarily curtailing renewables without compensation, and freezing net metering. Investor confidence has evaporated, risking $250mn in climate financing.

Q: Are grid limitations the true bottleneck?

A: Absolutely. Chronic underinvestment and incompetence plague grid planning. Fixable issues like transmission protection settings and retrofitting idle gas turbines remain ignored. Despite 2022 plans for 300MW battery storage, not a single tender has materialized. CEB’s belated 150MW storage proposal is a band-aid on a hemorrhage. This isn’t technical failure – it’s institutional sabotage.

Q: How do policy reversals impact forex?

A: Fossil fuel interests are the clear winners. Every delayed renewable project forces reliance on imported coal and diesel—like the new Rs. 72/kWh oil plant. This isn’t just environmentally regressive; it’s a fiscal time bomb.

Q: Is CEB guiding evidence-based policymaking?

A: CEB’s leadership is steeped in engineering but devoid of managerial expertise. It prioritises monopoly preservation over national interest. Their “solutions” (like uncompensated curtailments) betray ignorance of both engineering and economics. The Ministry, meanwhile, turns a blind eye to renewable sector collapse.

Q: Can Sri Lanka modernise without foreign expertise?

A: Current leadership can’t even diagnose problems, let alone solve them. We need international partners for grid planning and management – perhaps even imported executives to overhaul this dysfunctional monopoly.

Q: What are your top reform recommendations?

Mindset shift: Stop treating renewables as a threat.

Policy consistency: Align actions with climate commitments.

Grid modernization: Urgent system-strength assessments and storage deployment.

Execution rigor: Plans mean nothing without implementation.

Sector unbundling: Break CEB’s stranglehold to empower regulators.

Leadership overhaul: The crisis demands technocrats who understand energy and economics.

Q. What’s the Bottom Line:

A. Sri Lanka’s energy future hinges on choosing between vested interests and visionary reform. With each misstep, the window for a just transition narrows, and the spectre of perpetual power crises grows darker.

By Sanath Nanayakkare



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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