Sajith Accuses Government of Undermining Renewable Energy Projects

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the current government of pursuing a programme to undermine renewable energy projects, including solar power initiatives.

Premadasa made the remarks following a meeting at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition with Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth, where he briefed the envoy on what he described as government policy decisions affecting solar energy entrepreneurs.

He said there was broad agreement on the need for an electricity generation policy focused on a continuous, high-quality supply at the lowest possible unit cost, arguing that renewable energy was the way to achieve this.

Premadasa said that although a target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 had been promoted, the government was now pursuing policies that were effectively pushing renewable energy projects aside.

He recalled that the solar energy sector had created thousands of entrepreneurs since 2016, providing opportunities for engineers, technical officers, self-employed individuals and small and medium-scale businesses. He claimed that these businesses were now being gradually undermined by government policy.

Criticism of thermal power generation

Premadasa questioned why Sri Lanka could not pursue a target of one million rooftop solar systems, noting that around 150,000 rooftop solar systems are currently in place.

He claimed that rooftop solar systems contribute approximately 2,500 megawatts to the national electricity system and save the country more than Rs. 25 billion a month.

He also questioned the continued investment in large-scale thermal and combined-cycle power projects despite Sri Lanka’s natural resources, including solar, water and wind power.

Referring to the Yugadanavi, Sahasdhanavi and Sobadhanavi projects, he criticised what he described as the continued reliance on fuel-based electricity generation and questioned whether government policy was being influenced by the interests of thermal and fuel power producers.

Concerns over solar tariffs

Premadasa also raised concerns over changes to payments for solar power generated by rooftop systems.

He said the rate paid for a unit of solar power had fallen from around Rs. 37 to Rs. 27 and subsequently to below Rs. 20, arguing that the changes were creating an environment in which solar energy entrepreneurs could be discouraged from investing.

Recent reporting has also documented Premadasa’s criticism of the shift from net metering and net accounting towards the Net Plus scheme, which he has said has created uncertainty for solar-sector investors.

He questioned whether the government was following a people-oriented energy agenda or one that served the interests of thermal and fuel power generation.

SJB pledges support for renewable energy

Premadasa said Sri Lanka should learn from countries such as Australia and Norway, which have placed greater emphasis on renewable energy.

He argued that geopolitical tensions affecting fuel supply routes further demonstrated the risks associated with dependence on thermal and fuel-based power generation.

He said Sri Lanka should instead focus on renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, to ensure a continuous electricity supply at a lower cost.

Premadasa further stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would provide maximum support to any programme aimed at promoting renewable energy in Sri Lanka.