Speaking at a special statement, Premadasa accused the government of neglecting the renewable energy sector despite public commitments to prioritise it, claiming that this is causing serious damage to the country’s renewable energy industry.
He further alleged that the national grid is currently struggling with payment arrears owed to renewable energy project owners, affecting around 389 projects, including small hydro, wind, biomass, and rooftop solar initiatives. According to him, these projects collectively contribute around 1,073 megawatts to the national grid.
Premadasa also criticised the government’s energy policy, accusing it of favouring thermal and fuel-based power generation despite higher costs, and claimed that electricity generation from thermal plants costs over Rs. 100 per unit, placing additional strain on the national economy.
He warned that continued delays in payments have led to financial difficulties for renewable energy investors, with some reportedly facing loan repayment challenges, while investor confidence in the sector is declining.
The Opposition Leader further claimed that while global economies are shifting towards renewable energy, Sri Lanka is moving in the opposite direction by promoting thermal power, and pledged that his party would continue to oppose what he described as “damaging energy policies.”
