For a robust energy policy

At a time when much of the Global South is accelerating its transition toward renewable energy, Sri Lanka’s progress has been hesitant, inconsistent, and at times obstructed. This delay is an economic, strategic, and national security issue.

The contrast with regional peers is striking. 

India, for instance, has dramatically expanded its solar capacity from just 3 GW in 2014 to approximately 129 GW by 2025. This remarkable growth reflects not only political will but also a recognition that renewable energy is central to long-term stability and development. With a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, India has embraced solar as a cornerstone of its energy future. Sri Lanka, by comparison, has lagged behind despite possessing abundant solar and wind potential.

A significant part of this stagnation can be attributed to institutional resistance. The Ceylon Electricity Board, which should be leading the transition, has too often acted as an impediment. Solar energy initiatives, including rooftop solar installations, have faced bureaucratic delays, shifting policy frameworks, and a general lack of enthusiasm. Wind energy, despite Sri Lanka’s favourable coastal conditions, has been consistently downplayed. The delays in getting the Mannar wind plant off the ground is a prime example. Such reluctance raises serious questions about whether the country’s energy strategy is being guided by science and long-term planning or by inertia and vested interests.

It is true that renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent. They depend on sunlight and wind availability, which are naturally variable. However, this is no longer a valid excuse for inaction. 

Technological advancements in energy storage have significantly reduced these limitations. Modern battery systems are increasingly capable of storing energy for several days, ensuring reliability even during periods of low generation. Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s extensive hydroelectric infrastructure presents a unique opportunity. Through pumped storage systems, excess energy generated during peak solar and wind hours can be stored by pumping water upstream, effectively turning hydro reservoirs into large-scale batteries.

Despite these viable solutions, there appears to be a persistent preference for maintaining fossil fuel-based power plants. This approach may seem convenient in the short term, but it exposes the country to volatile global fuel prices and supply disruptions. Recent global uncertainties, from geopolitical tensions to fluctuating oil markets, have underscored the dangers of such dependence.

Concerns about entrenched interests cannot be ignored. Sri Lanka has a history of powerful diesel and fossil fuel lobbies influencing the energy sector. In this context, the continued side-lining of renewable alternatives must be viewed with caution. Are decisions being made in the best interest of the country, or are they shaped by actors who benefit from the status quo?

The Government must commit to a science-based, forward-looking energy strategy that prioritises renewables. This includes streamlining approvals for solar and wind projects, investing in storage technologies, and modernising the grid to accommodate decentralised energy generation. 

It also requires political courage to challenge entrenched interests and reorient institutions like the CEB toward innovation rather than obstruction.

Renewable energy is not merely an environmental aspiration but is now more than ever, a pathway to economic resilience, energy independence, and national sovereignty.