Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday, 5 February 2026 05:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025–2030, a key policy framework aimed at meeting 70% of Sri Lanka’s national electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The approval follows the submission of the plan to the Cabinet by the Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody, in line with the National Policy on Renewable Energy and the statutory requirements of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act, No. 35 of 2007, which mandates the preparation of a long-term renewable energy development plan.
“The plan has been prepared by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and covers three main sectors of renewable energy development,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.
He said it focuses on identifying and prioritising suitable land for renewable energy projects, establishing a clear implementation timeframe, and advancing the development of a comprehensive Renewable Energy Map and Renewable Energy Gardens across the country. The framework also includes the development of floating solar panel projects as part of efforts to diversify renewable energy generation while optimising land use.
According to Cabinet decisions, the plan is designed to provide a structured and coordinated pathway to accelerate renewable energy deployment, strengthen energy security, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while aligning Sri Lanka’s energy transition with its long-term climate commitments.
Responding to questions on whether stakeholder consultations had been conducted prior to implementing renewable energy projects, particularly in light of concerns that acres of land clearance could exacerbate human-elephant conflict, Dr. Jayatissa said that stakeholder meetings had indeed been held.
He noted that discussions with relevant parties were part of the planning process to address environmental, social, and land-use concerns associated with renewable energy development and the details would be shared at the next briefing.
