Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
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| SHPDA President Pathmanatha Poddiwala |
The newly elected Small Hydro Power Developers Association (SHPDA) President Pathmanatha Poddiwala recently vowed to steer the association through a period of major structural and regulatory change, pledging stronger advocacy, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the continued growth of the country’s renewable energy sector.
Speaking after his election, Poddiwala said it was a great honour to lead one of the country’s oldest renewable energy associations, which currently contributes nearly 450 MW of firm power to the national grid at some of the lowest costs in the energy mix. .
He paid tribute to the outgoing President Thusitha and the executive committee for their “exemplary leadership” through three consecutive and challenging terms marked by the pandemic and post-crisis policy transitions.
Poddiwala acknowledged that the renewable energy industry is facing an unprecedented set of challenges, describing the current period as “turbulent weather” for small hydro power developers.
He pointed to several key issues, including the enforcement of the new Electricity Act, the restructuring and unbundling of the national utility, unconsented curtailments of power generation, termination of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for ongoing projects, and financially constrained tariff structures that have undermined project bankability.
“These are challenges we are experiencing for the first time in our history. We must think afresh and set our strategies to face a new era. Despite the difficulties, what strengthens our resolve is the fact that renewable energy remains the cheapest and most sustainable source of power both locally and globally,” he noted.
Poddiwala stressed that Sri Lanka’s indigenous renewable energy resources continue to be its greatest natural advantage and that the sector remains central to meeting future energy demand.
He observed that while investor interest has slowed due to tariff constraints, it also creates an opportunity to reposition the market through innovation and efficiency.
He highlighted the need for technological transformation, particularly through the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that would allow existing hydro plants to store energy during the day and release it during peak hours.
Poddiwala also pointed to the expected growth in the electric vehicle market, tourism and exports, which will drive up energy demand, further underscoring the importance of renewables as the primary source to meet the country’s growing needs.
Looking ahead, the new SHPDA President outlined his vision for a more strategic, inclusive, and outward-looking association.
Among the key priorities he announced were the formulation of a strategic plan to set clear long-term goals, the introduction of a more inclusive decision-making process that involves wider stakeholder consultation, and the expansion of relationships with global renewable energy forums, financial institutions, and development partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
He also called for greater public engagement and media visibility, proposing regular briefings and a stronger social media presence to raise awareness about the association’s contributions to the national economy. Additionally, Poddiwala announced plans to launch a membership drive that would introduce new membership categories and expand the association’s base to include a broader range of industry participants.
“We will hold a strategic brainstorming session to set clear targets and align our actions with the evolving energy landscape. Each executive committee and working group will have specific tasks and timelines to deliver measurable outcomes,” he said.
Poddiwala concluded by expressing gratitude to the association’s members for their continuous support and active engagement in promoting renewable energy in Sri Lanka. He voiced confidence that the new executive committee would work with full commitment to deliver results and meet members’ expectations.
