Friday Jul 17, 2026
Friday Jul 17, 2026
Friday, 17 July 2026 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Government has stepped up plans to accelerate strategic energy infrastructure projects ahead of the Budget 2027, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewing a pipeline of electricity transmission, renewable energy, and petroleum storage investments while directing officials to transform Delft, Analaitivu, and Nainativu into Green Energy Islands.
At a pre-Budget review of the Energy Ministry yesterday, the President assessed progress on projects funded under the 2026 Budget, those scheduled for completion this year, and funding requirements for 2027.
A key focus of the meeting was the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) project being implemented on Delft, Analaitivu, and Nainativu. The President instructed officials to prioritise the development of the three islands as Green Energy Islands as part of the Government’s renewable energy agenda.
The review also covered the resumption of energy projects financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that were suspended during the economic crisis, with officials discussing the Budgetary allocations required to restart and complete them under the 2027 Budget.
The President was also updated on several major electricity infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the national grid. These included the second 220 kV underground transmission cable from Kerawalapitiya to Port of Colombo, the Sampur-Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project, the Habarana-Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project (CEATP), the installation of a STATCOM system at the Padukka 220 kV Grid Substation, and the Rooftop Solar Power Integration and Virtual Net Metering Project.
“The President reviewed the progress and future plans of several major ongoing and forthcoming projects,” officials said, referring to the electricity transmission and renewable energy investments.
The meeting also reviewed progress on 14 major petroleum sector projects, including the construction of six new storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex, two additional storage tanks and expanded fuel storage capacity at the Muthurajawela Fuel Storage Complex, the rehabilitation of existing storage tanks at Kolonnawa, and the development of filling facilities in Zone 7 of the Kolonnawa complex.
The President stressed the importance of completing the projects within the stipulated time frame to improve energy security and ensure the investments deliver tangible benefits to the public.
“The President further emphasised the importance of completing all these projects within the stipulated time frame in order to deliver tangible benefits to the public,” officials said.
