In a call to action for solar cooperation across Asia and the Pacific, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the 21st century must be led not by fossil fuels, but by the promise of sunlight—”clean, abundant and universally accessible.”

She was addressing delegates from across the region at the 7th Regional Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the Asia and Pacific Regions, held at the ITC Ratnadipa Colombo yesterday. The high-level gathering brought together ministers, diplomats, energy experts and institutional partners to strengthen regional solar energy strategies.

“If the 20th century was defined by fossil fuel, then the 21st century must be led by the promise of sunlight, said Prime Minister Amarasuriya. “This is not merely an alternative—it is an imperative.”

Present at the event were the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Kumar Jayakodi, Deputy Minister Naveer Rathna, Director-General of the ISA Ashish Khanna, and other regional dignitaries. The meeting was marked by the formal exchange of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) between Sri Lanka and the ISA—a key milestone that will guide collaboration, investments and technology transfer in Sri Lanka’s solar sector.

“Asia and the Pacific stand at a critical junction, PM Amarasuriya said. “Our region must shoulder the dual responsibility of accelerating economic growth while confronting climate vulnerabilities. Our strategies must be both resilient and equitable.”

She acknowledged that many countries, including Sri Lanka, were facing the twin pressures of fiscal recovery and rising energy demands, especially in remote and underserved communities. In that context, she praised ISA’s role in supporting decentralised energy solutions and innovative financial models.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the ISA. Its work has laid a strong foundation for scaling rural electrification, which remains a top priority for our government, she added.

Despite a difficult economic backdrop, Sri Lanka has exceeded expectations. Prime Minister Amarasuriya made said during her speech:

“A month ago, Sri Lanka achieved its national target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable energy sources, ahead of our 2030 deadline.”

She said the focus now shifts from hitting the target to sustaining it, ensuring grid stability and long-term affordability for citizens.

‘At the heart of Sri Lanka’s strategy is the ‘Surya Balasangramaya – Battle for Solar Energy’ programme, which is expanding rooftop solar panels across homes, schools and public buildings. The country has also completed two floating solar projects at Chandrika Dabba and Kiri Perth Dabba, pushing boundaries on land-scarce solar generation.

‘Additionally, the government is in the process of revising national electricity laws to encourage competitive bidding, boost investor confidence and integrate modern solar technologies’.

Recognising the role of knowledge transfer in long-term transformation, the Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a Star Centre at the University of Moratuwa to serve as a regional hub for solar training and research.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and ISA Director-General Ashish Khanna signed the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) in the presence of regional dignitaries. The CPF outlines a clear roadmap for deepening collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ISA across training, project development, finance mobilisation, and regional knowledge exchange.

ISA Director-General Khanna commended Sri Lanka’s leadership in renewable energy and noted that the country could be a regional model for clean energy transition—particularly for island and middle-income nations.

By Ifham Nizam

The Pathfinder Foundation hosted Julie Chung, Ambassador of the United States of America, at its headquarters, “Riverpoint” in Peliyagoda. Ambassador Chung was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell and Political Officer Adam L. Michelow.

The delegation was warmly received by . Milinda Moragoda, the Founder of Pathfinder Foundation, along with the Directors and staff of the Foundation.

During the meeting, founder Moragoda briefed the ambassador and officials on the Foundation’s work over the years, including its activities with the U.S. embassy and other U.S.-based organisations, such as think tanks. Pathfinder’s key initiatives on Indo-Pacific security, notably the upcoming Pathfinder Foundation’s Indian Ocean Security Conference scheduled for February 2026, the recently concluded Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue, and its recent research on strategic minerals were highlighted. Furthermore, the ambassador expressed interest in a recent webinar covering the Trump administration’s policies, which Pathfinder jointly organised with the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced a series of senior leadership transitions across its Sri Lankan resort portfolio, reflecting the Group’s strategic commitment to strengthening internal talent pipelines, advancing inclusive leadership, and driving operational excellence across its Sri Lanka Resort portfolio.

Murfad Shariff has been appointed Area General Manager – Central and Eastern Resorts, Sri Lanka, overseeing Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, and the newly opened Kandy Myst by Cinnamon. With nearly 30 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry working in Sri Lanka and abroad, he is known for people-focused leadership and a strong sustainability record. An alumnus of Trinity College, Kandy and an Associate Member of the SLHGA, he led Cinnamon Citadel Kandy to win SATA and Chairman’s Awards in 2017 and contributed to national sustainability accolades in 2023 and 2024. His appointment ensures values-driven leadership and continuity across Cinnamon Sri Lanka Resort portfolio.

Simultaneously, Lankesha Ponnamperuma has been appointed Area General Manager – Southern Coast Resorts, Sri Lanka, overseeing operations at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, and Cinnamon Wild. With over 15 years of executive experience in international hospitality, he is recognized for driving exceptional guest satisfaction, financial performance, and effective multi-property operations. Lankesha holds a Master of Business in International Hotel Management from the University of Queensland, a bachelor’s from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a Diploma from the Ceylon Hotel School. An alumnus of Trinity College, Kandy, his global perspective and operational expertise continue to strengthen Cinnamon’s leadership across its beach resort portfolio.