President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reviewed the progress of key energy projects, including the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) in the North, the second 220 kV underground transmission cable from Kerawalapitiya to Colombo Port, and major petroleum storage expansions at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela, during a pre‑budget discussion at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (15). 

The meeting, held alongside a review of 2026 allocations for the Ministry of Energy, also focused on resuming suspended Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted projects and setting funding priorities for the 2027 Budget. 

During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the progress of projects implemented by the Ministry of Energy under the 2026 budget allocations, the projects expected to be completed within this year and the funding requirements for 2027.

The President reviewed the progress of the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) project currently being implemented on the islands of Delft, Analaitivu and Nainativu and instructed officials to focus on developing and promoting these islands as Green Energy Islands.

Attention was also drawn to the resumption of energy projects that had been launched with the assistance of JICA but were suspended midway due to the economic crisis. Discussions were also held on the budgetary allocations required for these projects under the 2027 Budget.

The President further reviewed the progress and future plans of several major ongoing and forthcoming projects, including the second 220 kV underground transmission cable system from Kerawalapitiya to the Port of Colombo, the Sampur–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project, the new Habarana–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project (CEATP), the installation of a STATCOM system at the Padukka 220 kV Grid Substation (GSS) and the Rooftop Solar Power Integration and Virtual Net Metering Project.

The President also reviewed the progress and future funding requirements of 14 major projects currently being implemented in the petroleum sector. 

These include the construction of six new storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex, the construction of two new storage tanks and the expansion of fuel storage facilities at the Muthurajawela Fuel Storage Complex, the rehabilitation of storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex and the development of filling facilities in Zone 07 of the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex. 

The President further emphasised the importance of completing all these projects within the stipulated timeframe in order to deliver tangible benefits to the public. (Newswire)

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Anura Karunathilake officially assumed duties today (21) as Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Energy at the Ministry of Energy.

Former Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, who was present at the occasion, extended his congratulations to the incoming minister. 

In a statement, Jayakody said he urged all officials and staff connected with the ministry to extend their fullest cooperation to Minister Karunathilake in carrying out his responsibilities.

Karunathilake’s appointment follows Jayakody’s resignation last week to allow a transparent investigation into the controversial coal procurement process. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Anura Karunathilake as the Minister of Energy.

Accordingly, Anura Karunathilake took oaths before the President this afternoon (20) at the Presidential Secretariat as the Minister of Energy.

In addition to the Power portfolio, he also serves as the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation.

Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was present at the occasion.

Anura Karunathilake replaces Kumara Jayakody, who resigned from the ministerial portfolio this week, to ensure a transparent investigation into the coal procurement scandal. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed G.M.R.D. Aponsu as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Energy. 

The letter of appointment was officially handed over this afternoon (17) at the Presidential Secretariat by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Aponsu, a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Planning Service (SLPS), replaces Professor Udayanga Hemapala, who tendered his resignation earlier today. 

Aponsu previously served as Senior Additional Secretary to the President on Finance and Economic Affairs. He brings extensive experience in national planning, state financial management, macroeconomic forecasting, development financing, financial analysis, tax policy, and higher education planning.

During his tenure at the Presidential Secretariat, he headed the Finance and Economic Affairs Division, providing strategic policy guidance on economic governance and national development priorities.

Educated at Lunawa Roman Catholic School, Moratuwa Uyana Primary School, B/Kappetipola Maha Vidyalaya, and St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela, Aponsu holds a Bachelor of Science (Special) degree in Physics from the University of Ruhuna (1994). He also earned postgraduate qualifications in Atmospheric Physics from the University of Colombo, Economics from the Australian National University, and Development Studies from IDEAS in Japan.

His career includes service at the Department of National Planning, the Department of National Budget, the Department of Inland Revenue, and the Ministry of Education. He has also lectured in Physics at the University of Ruhuna, served as an external lecturer and senior consultant in Planning and Development Economics at SLIDA, and taught Project Management in postgraduate programmes at the University of Colombo’s Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA).

With his appointment, Aponsu is expected to strengthen policy direction at the Ministry of Energy and contribute to advancing national development priorities. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Energy has announced a public tender for the sale of 14 luxury and decommissioned vehicles currently owned by the ministry. The list includes high-end SUVs such as Toyota Land Cruisers, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI, and several other utility vehicles.

According to the tender notice, bids are being accepted for vehicles including a BMW X530D (2016), multiple Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser models, a Nissan Patrol Y62, and a Toyota Hilux Double Cab. Vehicles range in engine capacity from 1,295 CC to 5,552 CC and were manufactured between 2000 and 2016.

Interested bidders must submit a separate application and bid for each vehicle. Application forms can be obtained by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 5,000 per vehicle at the Ministry’s Accounts Division on the 3rd Floor, No. 437, Galle Road, Colombo 03, until July 15, 2025, during working hours. Vehicle inspections will be permitted during this period, upon receipt of tender applications.

Each bid must be accompanied by a refundable security deposit of Rs. 50,000 per vehicle.

The final sealed bids, clearly marked as “Invitation for Bids for the Sale of Vehicles owned by the Ministry of Energy” along with the respective Lot and Vehicle Numbers, must be placed in the designated tender box at the Transport Division by 10.00 a.m. on July 16, 2025.

For further details, the Senior Assistant Secretary (Admin) can be contacted via 0112-574740 and the Transport Officer through 0112-574941. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Energy’s five-year renewable energy development plan, “Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030”, was launched under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Thursday (27 Feb).

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the plan outlines key strategies for identifying and implementing renewable energy methods and digital innovations, ensuring their efficient and environmentally sustainable use. 

It also highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy and its potential to strengthen the country’s financial stability.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s full speech at the launch event:

It is a pleasure to address you on this significant occasion of launching the Action Plan on Renewable Energy Management. We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have taken the lead in steering Sri Lanka towards sustainable energy solutions.

I am pleased that the Ministry of Energy has introduced a valuable five-year action plan, the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030. This initiative will promote sustainable energy consumption, identify renewable energy sources, and provide a comprehensive understanding of energy conservation and storage methods.

The primary objective of this plan is to reduce electricity demand and lower the initial cost of electricity in Sri Lanka by identifying and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Our goal is to expand renewable energy production over the next five years and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans. We aim to reform our energy acts in three key areas. 

First, we will ensure the provision of affordable and reliable energy through renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions. Second, we will focus on educating the public on the significance of renewable energy and digital technologies and their role in accessing modern and reliable energy. Third, we will introduce advanced energy conversion methods to modernize the energy sector, aligning Sri Lanka with global advancements in the field.

This is not just a plan; it is a roadmap for the next five years. It encompasses various aspects, including the identification and development of energy sources, public awareness initiatives, implementation timelines, allocated funding, and necessary legal frameworks. 

To ensure the success of this project, it is essential to leverage both local and international partnerships. Let us work together to meet the energy needs of all Sri Lankans using renewable energy solutions. (Newswire)

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