Sajith Premadasa Raises Concerns Over Government’s Renewable Energy Policies with IMF

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said he had briefed the International Monetary Fund’s Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, on what he described as the government’s policies that are undermining renewable and solar energy projects in the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Premadasa said the current government was implementing several policies that could negatively affect renewable and solar energy, despite the benefits solar power can provide to consumers and the economy.

He said solar energy can help consumers access electricity at a lower cost while also creating opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs. He further claimed that efforts to make renewable energy more accessible to the public and support small-scale entrepreneurs were being undermined by government policies.

Premadasa called on the government to take steps to protect solar energy projects and highlighted the need for battery storage systems. He said rooftop solar systems currently contribute around 2,500 megawatts to the national grid and claimed that this saves the country approximately Rs. 25 billion per month.

He also alleged that efforts were being made to promote diesel-based power generation despite the economic benefits of renewable energy.

Referring to the Yugadanavi, Sobadhanavi and Sahasdhanavi power projects, Premadasa said attempts were being made to promote fuel-based power generation through LNG and diesel instead of pursuing the required infrastructure for renewable energy.

He said he would not allow what he described as a fuel and diesel mafia agenda to prevail at the expense of the country’s 22 million people.

Premadasa further said the country should not settle for a target of 70% renewable energy, but should instead work towards achieving 100% renewable energy, adding that he would pursue the strongest possible democratic campaign towards that goal.