Sri Lanka plans to bring Energy Transition Law

by Zulfick Farzan 22-11-2023 | 2:22 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced plans to realize the ambitious goals of acieving energy independence and to become a regional hub for green hydrogen supply.

According to the President's Media Division this move is signalling a commitment to a holistic decision-making process regarding new energy projects.

Acknowledging economic challenges, he stressed the importance of a thorough review to ensure sustained, long-term benefits.

President Wickremesinghe referenced the cancellation of the Norochcholai project in 2002. He pointed out that the decision was made due to economic considerations and the pursuit of a more modern version funded by the Japanese.

However, he acknowledged that this decision faced opposition and Norochcholai now poses a challenge for the country, prompting a reassessment of its utility and future role.

The President also expressed dissatisfaction with the downgrading of sustainable energy in favour of other sources, such as wind power.

He reflected on the consequences of mismanaging the energy portfolio, emphasizing the need for a holistic view and a re-evaluation of the long-term power generation plan.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to green energy and called upon experts to advise the government on the path forward.

“We are committed to green energy and we are going ahead,” he declared, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in sustainable and environmentally conscious policies.

In the meantime, “The Sri Lanka National Hydrogen Road Map” was presented by the Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekara to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This roadmap is a collaborative effort between the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (PDASL) and Greenstat Hydrogen India, with the invaluable support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which charts a course for Sri Lanka’s energy landscape transformation.

The symposium, organized by Greenstat India in collaboration with PDASL and USAID, serves as a testament to Sri Lanka’s determination to spearhead the transition toward a sustainable and green future, reflecting a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, said the President's Media Division.