Business
The role of renewable energy in Sri Lanka’s economic and environmental future
An Overview of the recent meeting between the National Environment Caucus, led by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero, and Mr. Ranjith Sepala, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA).
The National Environment Caucus, led by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero, recently handed over a report titled “Addressing the Prevailing Energy Crisis in Sri Lanka: Renewable Energy; Securing the Present and Future of Sri Lanka” to Ranjith Sepala, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority. Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero also engaged in a significant discussion with Mr. Sepala, on the need for the country to fast track on the sustainability path. The primary focus of the report and the topic of the discussion was the current status and future prospects of renewable energy in Sri Lanka. This meeting underscored the importance of sustainable practices and explored strategies to enhance the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Following this discussion, Ven. Pahiyangala Thero remarked, “Examining the country’s expenditures reveals that a significant portion of our foreign reserves is spent on purchasing coal and petroleum for energy production. Sri Lanka possesses year-round potential for renewable energy, which we must harness by transitioning to solar and wind power. Many unfounded myths are circulating about the planned renewable energy projects in the Mannar region; these are entirely false. This prompted our discussion with the SLSEA, where we presented a report based on our findings.”
Ranjith Sepala commented upon receiving the report, stating, “The future energy needs of this country must be met through renewable energy sources. This is the only way to reduce energy costs for our citizens. We also discussed the currently planned renewable energy projects and the necessary steps to move forward. The planned projects in the Mannar region were also covered, and Ven. Pahiyangala Thero agreed to assist us in any way he can to get these projects underway.”
The report presented to the SLSEA, which includes scientific findings compiled by the National Environment Caucus, will be critically important for the SLSEA. These findings will provide valuable insights that will aid all stakeholders in developing a sustainable strategy for Sri Lanka’s transition to renewable energy. By leveraging this comprehensive data, the SLSEA can effectively guide policy-making and project implementation, ensuring a successful and efficient shift towards renewable energy sources for the country.
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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