இலங்கையில் பாதுகாப்பான சக்தியினை நோக்கிய பாதையினை அமைத்தல்

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.

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.

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.

இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சோசலிசக் குடியரசின் மக்களின் அபிலாஷைகளை நனவாக்க தமக்கு வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ள பணி தொடர்பில் இலங்கை நிலையான எரிசக்தி அதிகார சபையின் பணிப்பாளர் நாயகம் ஊழியர்களிடம் உரையாற்றியதுடன், "நாடு எதிர்கொள்ளும் பொருளாதார சவால்களுக்கு மத்தியில் நாம் அனைவரும் ஒன்றிணைந்து எரிசக்தி இலக்குகளை அடைவோம் எனத் தெரிவித்தார்."

அதனைத் தொடர்ந்து நிறுவன ஊழியர்களிடம் உரையாற்றிய தலைவர், 2030ஆம் ஆண்டுக்குள் புதுப்பிக்கத்தக்க எரிசக்தி மூலம் நாட்டின் 70% எரிசக்தித் தேவையை எட்டுவதற்கும் 30% ஆற்றல் சேமிப்பை அடைவதற்கும் நாங்கள் உறுதிபூண்டுள்ளோம் என்றார்.