Norway to host panel discussion on clean energy investments in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo in partnership with the University of Jaffna and the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is hosting an expert panel discussion titled ‘A new Decade: Investing in Clean Energy in Sri Lanka – Drivers and Barriers’ today, 21 January, at Galle Face Hotel.

Both Norway and Sri Lanka are committed to decrease carbon emissions and to increase the use of clean energy technologies to tackle future energy demands. In 2018, Norway and Sri Lanka established a clean energy consortium that includes academics, researchers and private enterprises from both countries. Norway is also assisting Sri Lanka to improve the mix of environmentally friendly energy sources, with a specific focus on increased solar energy generation in Sri Lanka.

The panel discussion is a precursor to the opening of Sri Lanka’s first floating solar power plant in Kilinochchi built in partnership with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and University of Jaffna on 24 January.

The expert panel will consist of Sturle H. Pedersen, Chairman of Greenstat Hydrogen Asia, a Norwegian clean energy company, Prof. Nalin de Silva, Senior Professor from the University of Colombo, Dr. Asanka S. Rodrigo, Director General of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, B. M. U. Senarathna Banda, Deputy General Manager of the Renewable Energy Development Division of Ceylon Electricity Board, S. Renganthan, CEO and Managing Director of Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka, and Kamal Dorabawila, the Principal Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation (IFC). Prof. Rohini M. de Silva from University of Colombo will moderate the session.

In addition, Norwegian Ambassador Trine Jøranli Eskedal, Inge Vikesdal, CEO of Current Solar, Prof. Kathirgamanathan Kandasamy of the University of Jaffna, Prof. Dhayalan Velauthapillai of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) and Nanthini Nagarajah, PhD Research Fellow at HVL will also address the gathering.