Sri Lanka is poised for a decisive breakthrough in its clean energy transition with the government moving to introduce large-scale battery energy storage for the first time in the country’s history — a development that could fundamentally transform how electricity is generated, managed and consumed.

Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Parliament of Sri Lanka that a 160-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) will be constructed within the next six months, marking the single biggest technological leap yet in Sri Lanka’s power sector.

In parallel, tenders will soon be called for a further 300 MW battery storage facility, signalling the government’s intention to embed energy storage at the core of future power planning.

The announcement was made in response to a question raised by MP Suranga Ratnayake, with the Minister underlining that battery storage is no longer optional but a strategic necessity if Sri Lanka is to fully capitalise on its rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity.

“We are strengthening the transmission network while taking the initial steps to integrate battery storage systems alongside future solar power plants on selected lands,” Minister Jayakody said. “Our objective is to ensure that renewable energy can be absorbed into the national grid without instability or wastage.”

Energy sector analysts have long warned that Sri Lanka’s grid is structurally ill-equipped to handle the variability of solar and wind power. While renewable generation has grown steadily, large volumes of clean electricity are often curtailed during peak production hours due to the lack of storage and limited grid flexibility. The result has been a paradox where green energy exists, but cannot always be used.

The introduction of battery energy storage systems is expected to change that equation. By storing surplus electricity and releasing it during peak demand or low generation periods, batteries effectively convert intermittent renewables into stable, dispatchable power. This, in turn, reduces reliance on expensive thermal plants, lowers fuel imports, and enhances overall grid resilience.

Minister Jayakody said the new systems would also play a critical role in reducing the risk of power disruptions and in cutting long-term electricity costs. “Without storage, we are forced to fall back on fossil fuels even when renewable energy is available. Battery systems allow us to break that dependency and move towards a truly modern power system,” he said.

The move represents a clear shift in national energy policy — from merely adding renewable capacity to building an intelligent, future-ready power infrastructure. Integrating storage with solar parks and strengthening transmission lines are expected to unlock large-scale private sector investment, improve energy security, and align Sri Lanka more closely with global decarbonisation trends.

For a country grappling with high energy costs, foreign exchange pressures and climate vulnerability, the battery storage initiative is being seen not just as a technological upgrade, but as a strategic intervention with economic, environmental and geopolitical implications.

By Ifham Nizam

The Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament today (17) with a majority of 152 votes.

Following the Second Reading debate on the Bill, held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today, the Minister of Justice and National Integration called for a division. Accordingly, 154 votes were cast in favour of the Bill and 2 votes against.

During the Committee Stage that followed, Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake and Chamara Sampath Dassanayake proposed amendments to section 3 of the Bill. The Minister of Justice and National Integration informed the House that the amendments would not be accepted. Thereafter, Hon. Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake requested a division on his proposed amendment. At the vote, 152 votes were cast in favour of passing section 3 without amendment, while 4 votes were cast in favour of the proposed amendment.

Hon. Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake also proposed an amendment to section 4 of the Bill. The Minister informed the House that this amendment too would not be accepted. The Bill was subsequently passed without amendments following the Third Reading.

The Bill was first presented to Parliament by the Minister of Justice and National Integration on 07 January 2026 for its First Reading.

The Bill also received the endorsement of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today. Accordingly, it will come into force as the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Act, No. 5 of 2026.

This Act repeals the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977. In terms of section 3 of the new Act, any person who is entitled to receive a pension or is in receipt of a pension under the provisions preceding the date of commencement of this Act, shall, on and after the date of commencement of this Act, cease to receive such pension.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defense to appoint Rear Admiral R.Joseph to the post of Director General at the Department of Coastal Conservation with immediate effect.