Business

Hour of reckoning comes for SL’s power sector

Published

6 months ago

2026/04/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Eng. Pubudu Niroshan

By Ifham Nizam

A long-delayed reckoning in Sri Lanka’s power sector is finally beginning to take shape—driven less by choice and more by necessity.

At a time when the country’s fragile economic recovery hinges on stability, the electricity sector—long plagued by inefficiency, political interference, and costly dependence on imported fuel—has re-emerged as both a risk and an opportunity.

It is within this context that The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka will host a timely and potentially consequential forum on April 2 at the Wimalasurendra Auditorium, focusing on a “Pragmatic Approach to Electricity Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka and the Way Forward.”

This is not just another technical discussion. It is, in many respects, a reality check.

The keynote address by Eng. Pubudu Niroshan—who stood at the centre of recent reform efforts as Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat—comes at a moment when the gap between policy ambition and execution has become impossible to ignore.

For over three decades, Sri Lanka has spoken the language of reform. Yet, time and again, progress has been derailed by institutional resistance, political hesitation, and an entrenched reluctance to dismantle inefficient structures.

The result is a sector that continues to bleed financially while passing the burden onto consumers and the broader economy.

High electricity tariffs, supply vulnerabilities, and operational inefficiencies are no longer isolated technical issues—they are macroeconomic threats. Industries struggle to remain competitive, investors remain cautious, and households continue to bear rising costs. The over-reliance on imported fossil fuels has only deepened this vulnerability, exposing the country to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions.

The economic crisis of 2022 briefly forced a shift in thinking. Under severe fiscal pressure, reform was no longer optional. The passage of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024 was seen as a breakthrough—an acknowledgment that structural change could no longer be postponed.

But legislation alone does not transform systems.

What has followed is a more grounded, outcome-driven approach—one that attempts to move beyond policy rhetoric. Within a relatively short span, the first phase of restructuring has been pushed through, including the repeal of the decades-old CEB Act, No. 17 of 1969, and the unbundling of the monolithic utility into six state-owned entities.

This is, by any measure, a significant structural shift.

Yet, the real test lies ahead.

Unbundling without genuine market discipline risks becoming another cosmetic exercise.

The promise of a competitive National Electricity Market—long discussed but never realized—will depend heavily on regulatory strength, transparency, and political consistency. Without these, the same inefficiencies could simply be replicated across multiple entities.

Moreover, reform cannot succeed in isolation.

Sri Lanka’s energy transition must be anchored in a broader economic strategy—one that aligns power sector reforms with industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and investment policy.

The proposed “Energy Transition Act,” now under consideration, will be a critical piece of this puzzle. If executed with clarity and discipline, it could provide the legal backbone for a coherent and forward-looking energy framework.

The reference to an Integrated Economic Development Framework (IEDF) in the 2026 Budget underscores this necessity. Energy is not a standalone sector—it is the foundation upon which economic recovery will either stand or falter.

What makes this moment different is the absence of alternatives.

Sri Lanka can no longer afford half-measures or delayed decisions. The cost of inaction is too high, and the margin for error too narrow. Reform, in this sense, is no longer a policy preference—it is an economic imperative.

The upcoming forum at The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka is therefore more than a professEng. Pubudu Niroshanional gathering. It is a critical platform where technical expertise must confront political reality, and where long-standing assumptions must be challenged.

For years, Sri Lanka’s electricity sector has been caught in a cycle of discussion without delivery. The shift toward a pragmatic approach signals an understanding that outcomes—not intentions—will define success.

The question now is whether that realization will finally translate into sustained, irreversible change.

Because this time, failure is not just an option—it is a risk the country simply cannot afford.

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

13 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.