Rising above pseudo-nationalism to secure Sri Lanka’s energy future

Time and again, pseudo-nationalism and misplaced fears have stunted the natural evolution of the partnership with India to secure energy security for our country, where opportunities have been squandered for decades under the weight of sentiment rather than strategy.

Take, for instance, the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, an asset with immense potential that has languished in neglect for nearly a century. Built by the British during World War II, the complex could have become a regional energy hub, storing and distributing fuel across South Asia. Instead, it has become a symbol of inertia and mistrust. Political posturing and nationalistic rhetoric have repeatedly derailed efforts to modernise and operationalise the facility to its full potential in partnership with India. 

Similarly, progress on integrating Sri Lanka’s energy grid with India’s has been stalled for nearly 25 years. The idea is simple but transformative, a cross-border transmission line that allows Sri Lanka to import electricity during shortages and export surplus renewable energy when production exceeds demand. The benefits are evident. Such a grid would enhance energy security, stabilise the national grid, and provide an additional source of foreign exchange. Yet, despite these clear advantages, the proposal has faced periodic resistance, often couched in nationalist rhetoric warning against “foreign dependence” or “loss of sovereignty.” These fears, however, are unfounded.

Energy cooperation is not a surrender of sovereignty but an assertion of national interest in an interconnected world. Every modern nation, from Singapore to France, engages in cross-border energy trading to enhance stability and efficiency. Indeed, regional energy integration is one of the pillars of economic resilience in the 21st century. For Sri Lanka, which faces chronic power shortages, rising fuel costs, and a growing demand for clean energy, grid connectivity with India is not merely desirable, it is essential.

It is, therefore, encouraging that after years of hesitation, tangible progress appears to be on the horizon. Reports last week confirmed that India and Sri Lanka have taken another step forward in their landmark power grid interconnection project, discussing modalities and next steps for implementation. This renewed momentum offers hope that the project may finally move beyond the drawing board and into reality. If executed effectively, the transmission line will help Sri Lanka overcome electricity shortages, reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels, and monetise its renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar power.

Beyond the immediate economic and technical gains, this initiative symbolises a broader shift toward pragmatic regional cooperation. It represents an acknowledgment that the future of Sri Lanka’s prosperity cannot be built on isolation or suspicion. The nation’s energy security, and by extension, its economic security, depends on partnerships grounded in trust, mutual benefit, and a clear-eyed understanding of global realities.

Sri Lanka’s energy security depends on smart choices made today. The full operationalisation of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, the realisation of the power grid interconnection, and a broader embrace of cross-border energy cooperation could together lay the foundation for a resilient and self-reliant energy sector. This vision can only be achieved if the country rises above narrow politics and embraces a spirit of cooperation rooted in realism.