බලශක්තියෙන් සුරක්ෂිත ශ්‍රී ලංකාවක් කරා

SLSEA and the PEEB Cool Programme are bringing policymakers and building practitioners together to improve energy efficiency, climate resilience and energy security across the public sector.

The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), in collaboration with the PEEB Cool Programme implemented through GIZ Sri Lanka, has launched a national training programme on Energy Management Systems (EnMS) for public buildings. The initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to reduce energy use and operating costs while improving resilience to climate extremes and energy supply constraints.

The programme began with a one-day policy leadership workshop attended by officials from provincial councils, government ministries and public-sector organisations involved in policy development and implementation. Participants included representatives of the ministries responsible for defence, housing and health. A three-day practitioner training is being held from 15 to 17 July at Amari Colombo for officials responsible for operating and managing public buildings.

The inaugural session was attended by Prof. T. M. Wijendra J. Bandara, Chairman of SLSEA, together with senior officials and representatives of the participating institutions.

Designed as a two-tier capacity-building programme, the initiative addresses both the policy and operational requirements of energy management. The policy component focuses on the strategic role of EnMS in advancing energy security, affordability, greenhouse-gas emissions reduction and the modernisation of Sri Lanka's public-building stock. Participants examine international good practice, the principles of ISO 50001 and ISO 50005, and the policy and regulatory measures needed to support systematic energy management across government institutions.

The practitioner component translates these principles into day-to-day building operations. Through an application-oriented programme, officials are learning to apply the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, establish energy baselines and performance indicators, identify significant energy uses, maintain documentation and compliance processes, and implement the phased approach set out in ISO 50005. The training also emphasises continuous monitoring, internal accountability and management review so that energy-performance improvements can be sustained over time.

By bringing policy leaders and building managers into a common programme, SLSEA and PEEB Cool aim to close the gap between national policy commitments and implementation. The approach recognises that efficient buildings depend not only on new technologies or equipment upgrades, but also on clear institutional responsibilities, reliable data, operating procedures and informed decision-making.

The training forms part of broader PEEB Cool support to Sri Lanka through the programme's Enabling Facility, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This support includes work on building energy codes, energy benchmarking, digitalisation, policy and institutional frameworks, and sustained technical capacity development for energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings.

Globally, buildings account for almost 40 per cent of energy-related greenhouse-gas emissions, while demand for space cooling is expected to double by 2040. PEEB Cool responds to this challenge by helping countries improve both the energy efficiency of buildings and their resilience to extreme climate events, economic crises and energy scarcity. The programme combines financing and policy support to bring ambitious projects to scale and deliver long-term transformation across the building sector.

PEEB Cool is a programme of the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB). PEEB combines an Investment Facility, implemented by AFD Group, with an Enabling Facility, implemented by GIZ, linking project finance and technical assistance with policy reform, capacity-building and knowledge exchange. The Partnership is part of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC). The project operates in 11 partner countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America: Albania, Argentina, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.

PEEB is currently funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the French Ministry of Ecological Transition (MTE), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the European Union (EU), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and the Fonds Français pour l'Environnement Mondial (FFEM).

For Sri Lanka, the programme is expected to strengthen the institutional systems needed to measure, manage and continuously improve energy performance in public buildings. Over time, wider adoption of EnMS can help reduce public expenditure on energy, lower greenhouse-gas emissions, improve thermal comfort and make essential public services more resilient to climate and energy shocks.

Officials and participants at the national Energy Management Systems training programme in Colombo.

SLSEA Chairman, Prof. Wijendra Bandara addressing policymakers at the Energy Management Systems training program.

Officials engaging in stakeholder discussions on advancing energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings in Sri Lanka.

Government practitioners work through an application-based EnMS exercise during the training at Amari Colombo.

Participants engaging in group work and discussions with resource persons.

The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), in collaboration with the Solar Industries Association (SIA) and Huawei Digital Power, successfully conducted a Technical Workshop on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) under the theme "Towards a Resilient and Secure Grid -Building a Sustainable Energy Future Through Safe and Standardized Battery Energy Storage Systems" in Colombo on 16th July, 2026.

The workshop brought together policymakers, regulators, engineers, energy professionals, industry leaders, academics, investors, and renewable energy stakeholders to discuss the prominent role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in supporting Sri Lanka's transition towards a secure, reliable, and sustainable energy future. Highlighting the nation context for clean energy transition, Prof. T. M. Wijendra J. Bandara, Chairman, SLSEA, emphasized that Battery Energy Storage Systems will become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's renewable energy expansion by improving grid flexibility, enabling higher integration of solar and wind power, enhancing energy security, and supporting national efforts to achieve long-term energy sustainability, in his presentation on “The Role of Electro Chemical Storage in the Energy Transition in Sri Lanka”.

The keynote address titled "Powering a Safer Future: BS 7671:2026 Orange Book Amendments for Battery Energy Storage Installations" was delivered by Prof. Asanka Rodrigo, Dept. of Electrical Engineering of the University of Moratuwa, who highlighted the importance of internationally recognized standards and safe installation practices to ensure the reliable deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems while protecting people, infrastructure, and investments.

Representing the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Eng. Amila Rajapaksa, Director, explained the evolving regulatory framework governing Battery Energy Storage Systems, outlining licensing requirements, compliance obligations, operational safety, and policy measures that will facilitate the orderly expansion of energy storage technologies in Sri Lanka.

The session on "Scope and Implementation of the New BESS Standards" was presented by Eng. Hasitha Karunaratne, Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). He discussed the importance of adopting internationally aligned technical standards to ensure quality, safety, interoperability, and consumer confidence in Battery Energy Storage System installations.

Addressing on the topic "Towards a Resilient and Secure Grid," Eng. Buddhika Samarasekera, Director (System Control) of the National System Operator (Private) Limited, explained how Battery Energy Storage Systems can strengthen grid stability, improve frequency regulation, support voltage control, enhance system resilience, and facilitate greater penetration of renewable energy into the national electricity network.

Providing an international industry perspective, Eng. Mo Haiqi, Senior Solutions Manager of Huawei Digital Power, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the technical aspects of Battery Energy Storage Systems, including advances in battery technologies, intelligent energy management systems, fire safety solutions, lifecycle management, and emerging innovations shaping the future of energy storage.

An interactive panel discussion and question-and-answer session enabled participants to engage directly with the panel of experts, exchanging views on technical challenges, investment opportunities, safety considerations, regulatory developments, and practical implementation strategies for Battery Energy Storage Systems in Sri Lanka. 

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by on behalf of the Solar Industries Association (SIA), acknowledging the valuable contributions of all speakers, participants, and collaborating organizations. 

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, organizers reiterated that the increasing deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems will be essential to support Sri Lanka's renewable energy ambitions, strengthen national grid resilience, enhance energy security, and ensure the safe integration of clean energy technologies through effective regulation and internationally accepted technical standards. 

The workshop forms part of the continuing efforts of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority to promote knowledge sharing, technical excellence, stakeholder collaboration, and innovation in advancing the country's sustainable energy transition.

The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) has initiated a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to support renewable energy development in the Northern Region of Sri Lanka. This is an important initiative aims to accelerate renewable energy development, strengthen strategic planning, and promote private-sector investments in the country’s energy transition. The SEA study is carried out by international and national experts under the technical and financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Northern Region Scoping Workshop was held at the District Secretariat of Jaffna on 08 July 2026, with the participation of key government stakeholders representing the four districts within the study area of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Mullaitivu.

Subsequently, the second Scoping Workshop was conducted in Colombo on 13 July 2026 at Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte to engage central government agencies and other national-level stakeholders relevant to the study.

During the Scoping Workshops, the scoping findings, preliminary mapping results, proposed detailed survey methodology, and the planned next steps of the study were presented. The workshops also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process while serving as a platform to review the proposed approach and preliminary findings, and to provide valuable feedback, comments, and recommendations to guide the subsequent stages of the study.

SEA is a vital planning tool that integrates environmental considerations into policies, plans, and programs, thereby supporting sustainable development. It enables the identification of environmental and social challenges, explores mitigation alternatives, and facilitates informed decision-making by incorporating economic and social dimensions. Globally, SEA has been widely applied in the renewable energy sector to enhance sustainability outcomes. Through addressing key issues at the SEA stage, it is expected to reduce the scope and complexity of project-level Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), thereby minimizing implementation delays.

The study is being conducted in accordance with the Terms of Reference stipulated by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the national focal institution for SEA processes, which provides the framework and guidance for the assessment.

The event was graced by the Chairman of SLSEA Prof. T. M. Wijendra J. Bandara, Deputy General Manager of Oriental Consultants Global, Ms. Tomoko Hattori, SLSEA officials and other distinguished guests.

Eng. Rohana Randombage assumed duties on 08th July 2026 as the Director General of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). The Chairman (SLSEA) Prof. Wijendra Bandara and officials from Ministry of Energy & SLSEA graced the occasion.

Eng. Rohana Randombage is a Mechanical Engineer graduated from the University of Peradeniya, holding a Master of Engineering Project Management from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sri Lanka. Being an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) with over 24 years of industry experience, in senior leadership roles in both leading multinational and local organizations, he has successfully led engineering projects, manufacturing operations, and strategic business initiatives to achieve operational excellence, sustainability, and the development of high-performing teams.

He is committed to advancing Sri Lanka's sustainable energy agenda, promoting energy security, and driving the country's transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Sri Lanka has taken a historic leap toward a green energy revolution with the official launch of its first Offshore Wind Pre-Feasibility Report on 27 Feb 2026 at the Ministry of Energy, Colombo. This landmark study lays the foundation for achieving the nation’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The event brought together key personalities, including Minister of Energy, Hon. Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Ms. Theresa O’Mahony, World Bank officials Ms. Prajakta Chitre and Mr. Chris Lloyd, the Chairman of SLSEA Prof. T. M. Wijendra J. Bandara and Deputy Director General (DSM) of SLSEA, Eng. Chamila Jayasekera.

Under the initial phase of identifying the off-shore wind power potential of the country, an astonishing potential of 56 GW was identified with Mannar, Puttalam and the Southern region as the key potential locations for project implementation. In this phase of the project (Phase II), pre-feasibility studies were carried out for Mannar and Puttalam. While it re-affirms the potentials of the two regions for off-shore wind power project implementation, Mannar shows a better potential as well. With Phase III studies, being in dialogue at present, Sri Lanka is poised to tender its first offshore wind projects within 2–3 years, driving economic growth, energy security, and international investment.

Funded by the UK Government and supported by the World Bank, this initiative marks a major step towards a sustainable, renewable-powered Sri Lanka, and long-term economic prosperity of the country.

The dawn of new year 2026 was officially commemorated on 01.01.2026 at SLSEA premises in a simple ceremony. In line with it hoisting of national flag, official oath taking and chanting of Pirith took place in the morning with the participation of SLSEA officials and staff.

A batch of 14 of new Engineers joined the SLSEA in order to expand the scope of sustainable energy development in the Island. It will greatly assist to realise the vision of the government to reach the target of 70% RE into the national grid in 2030 and to drive the nation towards net zero emission in 2050.

The appointment letters were awarded to the new engineers by Minister of Energy, Hon. Kumara Jayakody, and Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon Arkam Ilyas. The Minister highlighted the significance of strengthening the country’s drive towards sustainable energy, and showed that it is being mainstreamed in the overall energy landscape. The pivotal role to be played by Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority was highlighted in this context, and the contribution that has been make was appreciated.

The event was also attended by the Chairman of SLSEA, Prof. Wijendra J Bandara, Director General of SLSEA, Eng. Harsha Wickramaisnghe, officials of Ministry of Energy, SLSEA and other distinguished guests.

2023 වසර වන විට විදුලිබල ජනගහනයෙන් 70% ක් පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්ති මුලාශ්‍ර හරහා ලබා ගැනීම  සදහා රජය මගින් ක්‍රියාත්මක වැඩපිළිවෙල තුල සුවිශේෂි දායකත්වයක් සුර්යබලය හරහා ලබා ගැනීමට අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ. සුර්යබල කේෂත්‍රයේ ගමන් මග තුළ සන්ධිස්ථානයක් සනිටුහන් කරමින් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ප්‍රථම මහා පරිමාණ සුර්ය විදුලි බලගාරය වන සියඹලාණ්ඩුව මෙ.වො. 100 ක් සුර්ය බලශක්ති ව්‍යාපෘතිය මේ වසර අවසන්වන විට ජාතික විදුලිබල පද්ධතියට සම්බන්ධ කිරීමට සැලසුම් කර ඇත.

2018 වසරේදී සිදුකරන පුර්ණ ශක්‍යතා අධ්‍යනයක් හරහා  ආරම්භ කරන ලද මෙම ව්‍යාපෘතිය සදහා සියඹලාණ්ඩුව ප්‍රදේශයේ කෘෂිකාර්මික කටයුතු සදහා යෝග්‍ය නොවන අක්කර 500 ක වපසරියක් සහිත භුමී භාගයක් තෝරාගෙන ඇත. මෙම සුර්යබල ව්‍යාපෘතිය හරහා ජනනය කෙරෙන විදුලිය ව්‍යාපෘතියට සමගාමීව ඉදිකිරීමට යෝජිත 132kV අධිසැර සම්ප්‍රේෂණ මාර්ග පද්ධතියක් හරහා මොණරාගල ග්‍රිඩ් උපපොල වෙත සම්බන්ධ කිරීමට නියමිතය. ව්‍යාපෘතිය හරහා වාර්ෂික ගිගාවොට් පැය 180ක හරිත විදුලි බලය ජාතික විදුලිබල පද්ධතියට ලබා දීමට අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ. තෝරාගත් ව්‍යාපෘති භුමිය තුළ ස්ථාපනය කරන ලද සුර්ය දත්ත මිනුම් පද්ධතියක් හරහා ස්ථානීය තාක්ෂණික යෝග්‍යතාවය මැනවින් තහවුරු කරමින් ව්‍යාපෘතිය අධ්‍යනය සිදුකිරිමෙන් පසු  අදාල ව්‍යපෘතිය සඳහා විස්තීරණ ශක්‍යතා අධ්‍යනයක් හා පාරිසරික බලපෑම් ඇගයීමේ අධ්‍යනයක් ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරිය මඟින් සිදු කරන ලදී. ඒ හරහා මෙම ව්‍යාපෘතිය වඩාත් ඉහළ මට්ටමින් සමාජ හා පාරිසරික සහජීවනයක් ඔස්සේ ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමට ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරිය මඟින් පියවර ගෙන ඇත. සාමාජීය පාරිසරික බලපෑම් අධ්‍යනය හරහා හඳුනාගන්නා ලද සමාජ පාරිසරික බලපෑම් අවම කිරිමේ පියවරයන් හරහා  මෙම ව්‍යාපෘතිය තුලින් සමාජ සහයෝගීතා පියවරයන් රැසක් ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමට ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරිය මඟින් කටයුතු කරන ලදී. වන සංරක්ෂණ දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව හා එක්ව නව වන වගා පද්ධතියක් ක්‍රියාත්මක කරන ලද අතර, මොණරාගල දිස්‍ත්‍රික් මහ රෝහලට රුධිර යන්ත්‍ර පෙරණ පද්ධතියක් ප්‍රදානය කිරීම, සියඹලාණ්ඩුව ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාශයට ජල පිරිපහදු පද්ධතියක් ප්‍රදානය කිරීම වැනි සත්කාරක රැසක් ද ඒ අතර වේ. ව්‍යාපෘති ප්‍රවේශ මාර්ග සංවර්ධනය හරහා, ප්‍රදේශයේ ජනතාව දැඩි ලෙස මුහුණ පාන ගැටළුවක් වන ගමනාගමන දුෂ්කරතා සදහා විසදුමක් ලබා දීමටද හැකියාව ලැබී ඇත. ඒ අනුව ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ප්‍රථම මහා පරිමාණ සුර්යබල ව්‍යාපෘතිය  වන සියඹලාණ්ඩුව මෙ.වො. 100 සුර්යබල ව්‍යාපෘතිය වඩාත් තිරසර පදනමක් මත ක්‍රියාත්මක කෙරෙන පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්ති ව්‍යාපෘතියක් ලෙස සිදු කිරීමට ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරිය මගින් කටයුතු කෙරේ.

ලංකා විදුලිබල මණ්ඩලය මගින් ක්‍රියාත්මක ටෙන්ඩර් පටිපාටිය හරහා, ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ප්‍රධාන පෙලේ බලශක්ති ව්‍යාපෘති සමාගම් දෙකක් වන Lakdhanavi Ltd,  සහ Windforce  සමාගම් මෙන්ම සිංගප්පුරුවේ Blue Circel සමාගම්වල හවුල්කාර සමාගමක් වන රිවිදනවි පුද්ගලික සමාගම මගින් ව්‍යාපෘතිය සම්බන්ධ ඉදිකිරීම් කටයුතු සිදුකිරිමට බලාපොරොත්තු වේ. ව්‍යාපෘතිය සදහා බලශක්ති බලපත්‍රය ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරිය මගින් රිවිදනවි සමාගම වෙත නිකුත් කර ඇති අතර, එය පාදක කර ගනිමින් ලංකා විදුලිබල මණ්ඩලය සමාගම සමඟ විදුලි මිළ දී ගැනීමේ ගිවිසුම් අත්සන් කිරීම 2024.02.08 දින සිදුවිය.   

ජාතික ජාලයෙන් ව්දූලිය සැපයීමට අපහසුතා ඇති දුෂ්කර ගම්මාන සදහා 'සැමට විදුලිය' තේමාව යටතේ සුර්ය බලශක්තිය සහ විදුලි කෝෂ යොදා ගනිමින් සූහූරු ජාල උපයෝගී කර ගනිමින් විදුලිබල හා බලශක්ති අමාත්‍යංයේ මූල්‍ය ප්‍රතිපාදන මත  හා ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධීකරියේ මෙහෙය වීම යටතේ මෙම ව‍්‍යාපෘතිය 2024 ජනවාරි 09 වන දින ජන සතු කෙරුණි.

මෙමඟින් ගල මුදූන ගම්මානයේ නිවාස 33 කට විදුලිය  ලබා දෙන ලදී. මේ සදහා රු 56,537,200.00 මුල්‍ය ප්‍රතිපාදන යෙදවු අතර මෙම පද්ධතියේ සුර්යබල ධාරිතාව කි.වො. 25 ක් සහ බැටරි ධාරිතාව කි.වො. පැය.  75 කි.

මෙම අවස්ථාව සදහා ශ්‍රි ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශකත් අධිකාරියේ සභාපති ඉංජිනේරු රංජිත් සේපාල මහතා, මහනුවර දිසාපතිතුමා, මිනිපේ ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම්තුමා  ඇතුළු රාජ්‍ය නිලධාරීන්  රැසක් සහභාගි විය .

වර්ෂ 2030 වන විට මෙරට නිපදවන විදුලි බලයෙන් 70% ක් පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්තිය හරහා ලබාදීම රජයේ ප්‍රතිපත්තිමය ඉලක්කයයි.  ඒ සඳහා මෙතෙක් ජල විදුලිය, සුළං විදුලිය, සූර්ය විදුලිය හා ජෛව බලශක්තිය මඟින් විශාල දායකත්වයක් ලබා දුන් අතර වර්ෂ 2030 වන විට අක් වෙරළ සුළං බලශක්තිය (Off-shore wind) මඟින් මෙගාවොට් 1,000 ක් ජාතික ජාලයට එක් කිරීමට නියමිතය.  අක් වෙරළ සුළං ව්‍යාපෘති ගොඩබිම නොව මුහුද මත ඉදි කරන අතර ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ එවැනි ව්‍යාපෘති කිරීමේ හැකියාව පිළිබදව ලෝක බැංකු අධාර වැඩසටහනක් හරහා අධ්‍යයනය කෙරුණි.  එම අධ්‍යයන වාර්තාව මඟින් නොඟැඹුරු මුහුදේ සවිකරන සුළං ටර්බයින හරහා මෙගාවොට් 22,000 ක විභවයක් සහ ගැඹුරු මුහුදේ සවිකරන පාවෙන ටර්බයින හරහා මෙගාවොට් 17,000 ක විභවයක් ද සහිතව අක් වෙරළ සුළං තාක්ෂණය හරහා විදුලිය නිපදවිය හැකි බව අනාවරණය කෙරුණි. මෙම අධ්‍යයන වාර්තාව බලශක්ති ක්ෂේත්‍රයේ ප්‍රවීණයන් වෙත ඉදිරිපත් කිරීම ලෝක බැංකු උපදේශක Jary Vayiynen හා Mark Leybovrne මහත්වරුන්  විසින් සිදු කෙරුණි. එම අවස්ථාව බත්තරමුල්ල වෝටර්ස් එජ් පරිශ්‍රයේදී 2022/02/07 සිදු වූ අතර විදුලිබල හා බලශක්ති අමාත්‍යාංශ ලේකම් එම් පී ඩී යු කේ  මාපා පතිරණ මහතා, ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුනිත්‍ය බලශක්ති අධිකාරියේ සභාපති රංජිත් සේපාල මහතා, අධ්‍යක්ෂ ජනරාල් අතුල ජයතුංග මහතා හා ආරාධිත රාජ්‍ය නිලධාරීන්  මෙම අවස්ථාවට සම්බන්ධ විය.