Energy generation contributes $ 6 bn to Sri Lanka's GDP, says expert

While Sri Lanka is in an unprecedented economic situation where measures are underway to leverage and boost the economy and get GDP back on track, generation of energy using natural resources can contribute to US$ 6 billion to the GDP, says Engineer Parakrama Jayasinghe.

He made this remark during the launch of a book titled ‘ Energy Resources of Sri Lanka – View Points of Sector Professionals’ compiled by eight lecturers of the Mechanical Engineering Sub Committee of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka held at the BMICH in Colombo last week.

He said, “Sri Lanka’s GDP growth is totally dependent on the availability and generation of energy. Energy generation can contribute $6 billion to the country’s GDP. There will be a paradigm shift in the country with this implementation. Today human civilization is trapped in the fossil fuel dip. We need to look at other forms of energy.”

On the importance of energ y sources he elaborated, energy has become a need of every human being soon after food, shelter, clothing and medicine. All consumers must know about energy sources irrespective of their various lifestyle backgrounds. It’s very important for a sustainable future in Sri Lanka, he stressed.

University of Moratuwa, senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala on the sidelines of the event told the Business Times that technological development in saving energy has become vital in all industries manufacturing electrical appliances.

“The energy resources covered in the book are hydro, wind, solar and biomass. There are also other energy resources such as geo- ther mal, ocean- thermal, ocean- waves and so on which are not exploited yet. We are doing the resource mapping at the University of Moratuwa,” he stated.

Sri Lanka is improving on the energy conservation aspect in terms of manufacturing LED light bulbs, hybrid and electrical cars are imported, and so on.

JLanka Technologies sponsored the launch of the resource book at the Techno 2018 Exhibition. The company’s Operations Director, G. Jayasoma at the event stated, “Technological innovation, especially sustainable technologies such as solar power generation is paving the way forward for a more sustainable future for humankind in the country. But still there are other resources that we could generate energy for the demand. Energy and renewable energy industry professionals are the best source to consult on the energy industry potential in this country.”

The energy resources covered in the book are hydro, wind, solar and biomass. There are also other energy resources such as geo-thermal, ocean-thermal, ocean-waves and so on which are not exploited yet. We are doing the resource mapping at the University of Moratuwa