Duminda calls on private sector to invest in renewable energy

Newly appointed State Minister of Solar, Wind, Grid Power Generation Projects Development Duminda Dissanayake assumed duties yesterday at the Ministry premises. Former President Maithripala Sirisena is also present – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

• Invites local experts to work with Ministry
• Pledges to ensure 80% of country’s power will be generated via renewable sources

By Nuwan Senarathna

 The newly appointed Solar, Wind, Grid Power Generation Projects Development State Minister Duminda Dissanayake yesterday called on the private sector to enter into renewable power generation, and increase investments in the sector.

Dissanayake expressed these views after assuming duties at the Ministry. He noted that the Government would promptly take necessary measures to approve and increase renewable power generation projects.

The State Minister expressed willingness to work closely with the private sector to increase renewable power generation in the country, and noted that the country has qualified individuals in the renewable energy field. He said the Ministry would expect to harness experience and knowledge of local experts.

Dissanayake noted that the President has given a target of achieving 80% of the country’s power generation to be via renewable power sources in 10 years. 

According to Dissanayake, certain targets need to be met annually, and those were mentioned in Gazette, which he viewed as a sign of commitment of the President to increase renewable power generation in the country.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has gazetted our responsibilities and specific targets were already given. I am hoping to work around the clock to meet those targets and increase renewable power generation in Sri Lanka,” Dissanayake added.

The State Minister also noted the Government would also look for support from foreign countries to increase renewable power generation, and share their experiences to attain targets.

Referring to Monday’s power outage, Dissanayake said the Government appointed a committee and an impartial investigation would be carried out to find what caused the power outage. He also noted that the Government would take necessary measures to prevent such power outages in future.

The power outage disrupted industry and economic activity, as well as work in corporate offices around the country. The power outage also shut down the traffic light network, causing heavy traffic congestion in multiple urban areas. Water supply was also hampered, as pumping stations without backup generators were forced to cease function and await power restoration.