Sajith Premadasa discusses renewable energy challenges with French Ambassador and industry stakeholders
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert and representatives of the renewable energy sector at the Opposition Leader’s Office to discuss the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry and opportunities to expand investment in the sector.
Economic Counsellor M. Philippe Fouet, Political Officers Anna Bellerck and Dinusha Ileperuma, along with renewable energy industry stakeholders, participated in the discussion.
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During the meeting, Premadasa highlighted the importance of achieving Sri Lanka’s national renewable energy targets, including the goal of generating 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
He said stakeholders had raised concerns regarding changes to the country’s rooftop solar payment and accounting mechanisms, including the transition from net metering and net accounting to the net-plus scheme. According to Premadasa, these changes have created uncertainty for solar entrepreneurs and affected the viability of investments in the sector.
He also highlighted concerns regarding delays in issuing solar-related licences and other regulatory obstacles faced by the industry, stressing the need to create a predictable environment for renewable energy investments.
Premadasa noted that France, including through its development agency AFD, could play an important role in supporting renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, particularly in areas prioritised by the government. He also encouraged greater cooperation between French investors and Sri Lankan renewable energy entrepreneurs.
The Opposition Leader further emphasised the importance of stable electricity tariffs and a predictable policy environment in attracting foreign investment, while stressing that Sri Lanka requires uninterrupted, high-quality and affordable energy.
He said the expansion of the solar sector could also create opportunities for young Sri Lankans to enter entrepreneurship and build businesses in the renewable energy industry.
Premadasa also discussed Sri Lanka’s broader renewable energy ambitions, including the potential for the country to move towards a fully renewable energy-based system in the future.
He stressed that the promotion of renewable energy should transcend party politics and called for greater cooperation among the government, investors, industry stakeholders and international development partners to advance Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals.