Minister of Energy Aruna Karunathilake told Parliament today that the Government is preparing to grant systematic concessions on batteries used in renewable energy storage, beginning with systems above 100 kilowatts. 

He said discussions had recently been held with the President, and a framework is being developed to ensure concessions are provided under a structured process.

The Minister cautioned, however, that Sri Lanka has yet to establish quality standards for battery systems. 

“If we open this without a quality system, then batteries of substantial quality will be brought into Sri Lanka. It is important to prevent this and work towards introducing the quality system soon,” he noted.

Karunathilake also highlighted the country’s current renewable energy performance, stating that between 60–70% of electricity generation is now coming from renewable sources. 

He said rooftop solar alone contributes around 2,500 megawatts, ground‑mounted solar adds 530 megawatts, and wind power provides over 250 megawatts, amounting to more than 40% of total electricity generation.

The Minister acknowledged challenges in the sector, including delays in solar approval processes, difficulties in obtaining land, and connecting new generation systems to the grid. 

He emphasized that addressing these issues, alongside introducing battery storage with proper standards, will be critical to sustaining Sri Lanka’s renewable energy growth. (Newswire)

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A special discussion was recently convened to address a series of issues linked to cooperative fuel stations, under the leadership of Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Energy and chairmen of cooperative societies joined the talks, which focused on key matters including discounts offered to cooperative fuel stations, issuing fuel on credit, land ownership disputes, and construction or renovation of stations.

The meeting also saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Janaka Rajakaruna, Managing Director Mayura Neththikumara, as well as senior ministry officials, cooperative society chairmen, and general managers. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s electricity sector is set for reforms aimed at reducing generation costs and lowering consumer bills, according to the Minister of Energy, Anura Karunathilake.

The restructuring program includes measures to increase renewable energy contributions and enhance hydropower efficiency, which the Minister noted would help reduce electricity bills in the future.

Speaking at a ceremony held on Friday (15) to grant financial compensation to employees who voluntarily retired under the electricity sector restructuring program, the minister stressed the government’s commitment to efficiency and service delivery.

“In restructuring the Ceylon Electricity Board, one of the main points we expected was to improve efficiency. Accordingly, by appointing new institutions that provide higher-quality services to consumers, we are working to fulfil the promise made to the people of the country during the restructuring. Likewise, within this restructuring program, we have been able to fulfil the promises given to employees as well. Today, I wish that all your expectations and good dreams, as you receive retirement compensation, will be fulfilled in that way,” he said.

On Friday, financial compensation was awarded to 1,898 employees who opted for voluntary retirement, at a ceremony held at the EDL D4 auditorium in Dehiwala.

Deputy Minister of Power Arkham Ilyas, along with heads of subsidiary institutions of the Ceylon Electricity Board, also attended the event. (Newswire)

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