Energy sector plans

Close to 50% of Sri Lanka’s energy is made up of renewable energy, said Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, adding that swift measures were underway to increase renewable energy creation and use.

Multiple wind power and solar power projects were started during 2016-2020. A large scale 100MW plant, the Mannar Wind Power (Thambapawani), commenced commercial operations on May 6, 2021. Activities began to implement the second phase of the 200MW Mannar Wind Farm in 2025 and Pooneryn 240 MW wind farm in 2023-2025.

Sri Lanka has also begun projects to increase solar electricity generation capacity through public-private partnerships and the adaptation of currently available technology. The environmental impact assessment of the Siyambalanduwa Solar Power Park was concluded and the call request for proposals will commence at the end of this month with a plan to commission the plant in 2023.

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is in progress to implement the 150MW Solar Park in Pooneryn. Other solar power projects under the US$ 100mn Indian Credit Line are in progress. Another 363MW was added to the national grid by the Solar Roof Top Programme, and the government hopes to add a further 120 MW through the same project. Nearly 600MW is expected to be developed as smallscale solar power plants by 2030.