Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) firmly believes that the majority of Sri Lanka’s energy generation should come from renewable sources, regardless of whether the party is in Opposition or in Government.
Sajith Premadasa made the remarks during a discussion with members of the Federation of Renewable Energy Developers at the Opposition Leader’s Office.
He criticised politicians who, he said, advocate renewable energy while in Opposition but become “slaves of the thermal energy mafia” after coming to power.
He stressed that the SJB’s policies would not be auctioned off in exchange for money, privileges or favours, and pledged that the party would remain committed to promoting renewable energy both in Opposition and in Government.
He said that once the SJB assumes State power, it would take steps to transform the renewable energy commitments it has made while in Opposition into concrete policies and action.
The Opposition Leader also referred to employees and entrepreneurs who have made significant sacrifices for the renewable energy sector, including members of the federation.
He alleged that various conspiracies were being hatched to drive such individuals out of the sector and claimed that the current Government was attempting to discourage entrepreneurs committed to renewable energy.
Sajith Premadasa pledged that an SJB Government would instead work to strengthen and support renewable energy entrepreneurs and further develop the sector.
