President Inaugurates Sri Lanka&;s First Natural Gas Power Plant, ‘Sobadhanavi’

 President Emphasizes Renewable Energy as Key to Economic Growth in the
Next Decade

 Sri Lanka Aims to Become a Surplus Producer of Renewable Energy
- President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the renewable energy sector should become the primary driver of economic growth in Sri Lanka over the next decade, similar to how the

garment industry was developed as a key economic sector by the government in 1977.The President highlighted that the government has a strategic plan to transform Sri Lanka intoa surplus producer of renewable energy. He noted that there is always a market for excess energy, and expressed his willingness to participate in the proposed India-Singapore powerline connection if it comes to fruition.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while inaugurating the first phase of SriLanka's first natural gas power plant, the Kerawalapitiya "Sobadhanavi " Combined Cycle
Power Plant, this morning (28). The "Sobadhanavi " power plant, designed by LakdhanaviLtd., is a significant infrastructure project aimed at expanding the country's electricity supply,

which is essential for supporting Sri Lanka's long-term economic growth. The plant willcontribute an additional 350 MW of capacity to the national grid.The first phase of the Sobadhanavi Power Plant, commissioned today, includes an F-classgas turbine with a capacity of 220 MW. This phase is expected to significantly enhance thenational grid by providing a reliable source of electricity. The second phase, set forcompletion by early 2025, will increase the plant's capacity by an additional 130 MW throughthe installation of a steam turbine. This turbine will utilize the heat produced as a by-productof the gas turbine in the first phase, improving overall efficiency and eventually bringing the
plant's total output to 350 MW.

The Sobadhanavi Power Plant is poised to play a significant role in Sri Lanka's economicand social development. It will provide a stable and affordable energy supply, support industrial growth, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic stability. The combinedcycle process is expected to meet approximately 12% of the country's current electricity demand, directly benefiting thousands of workers and indirectly impacting millions ofcitizens nationwide.