Business
In SL’s efforts to scale-up solar energy, grid connectivity seen as challenge
By Ifham Nizam
The grid connection becomes a significant challenge as Sri Lanka scales up solar energy, Senior Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa’s Department of Electrical Engineering, Professor Asanka Rodrigo stressed.
He added: “We must conduct extensive studies on load flow, dynamic impacts and protection measures to ensure grid stability.”
Delivering the keynote address, at the partnership last Friday at the Marino Beach Colombo between E.B. Creasy, said to be one of the pioneers of solar energy in Sri Lanka, and LONGI, the world’s largest solar model manufacturer, Rodrigo said that he believes that the partnership highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to renewable energy and the role both companies will play in supporting the nation’s green energy goals.
Discussing the integration of renewable energy into Sri Lanka’s national grid, he acknowledged that while the country’s small size poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth. “As a country close to the equator, we have excellent solar and wind resources, which make solar and wind a priority in our energy mix,” he noted.
Rodrigo detailed the government’s ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming for 70 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Rodrigo added: “The challenges of integrating large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly intermittent sources like solar are considerable.
“The country has made significant progress in solar power deployment, achieving milestones of 200 MW in May 2019 and 1000 MW in July 2024. With an ambitious target of 4000 MW by 2030, the focus is on diversifying solar power infrastructure, including rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
“Sri Lanka’s energy transition plan, as detailed in the draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) for 2025–2044, reflects a commitment to reducing dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing grid reliability and energy security.”
Sanjeev Rajaratnam, Managing Director of E. B. Creasy & Co. PLC stressed the company’s long-standing commitment to solar energy.
He added: “Since the year 2000, E.B. Creasy has been promoting solar energy solutions to homes and businesses in Sri Lanka. Our business depends on our ability to provide energy solutions that reduce energy bills while lowering carbon footprints.”
He stressed that the company’s dedication to customer service and high-quality solutions has earned it the trust of the industry.
Chin Lee, Head of South Asia Peninsula Region at LONGI, followed with insights into the company’s achievements and future vision.
He said LONGI has set seven world records for photovoltaic (PV) cell conversion efficiency in recent years. “In 2023, we achieved 27.09% efficiency with our HVC solar cells, a world record for non-concentrated silicon cells,” said Chin Lee, reflecting on the company’s technological innovations.
He also addressed challenges in the solar market, mentioning how the price of solar panels surged by nearly 60% over the past year, but expressed confidence in LONGI’s ability to navigate these difficulties while delivering reliable, high-value products to customers.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
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.
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