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.
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.
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.
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.
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