Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today virtually witnessed the commencement of several key Indo-Lanka joint projects.
The projects launched include the Sampur Solar Power Plant, a temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla, and the supply of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka.
The Sampur Solar Power Plant is a 50/50 joint venture between NTPC Limited of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) of Sri Lanka. NTPC and CEB jointly incorporated Trincomalee Power Company Limited to develop the 120-megawatt project.
Phase one of the project will have a 50-megawatt capacity, built over 500 acres of land.
This solar project will bring an investment of approximately USD 100 million to Trincomalee in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.
The project, featuring the latest solar PV Topcon technology, will enhance energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, create jobs, and foster a cleaner environment by reducing 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
It is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027. With the groundbreaking of the Sampur Solar Power Project, both countries are now progressing on a shared pathway toward a forward-looking and green future.
Meanwhile, the temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla is a 524 million Sri Lankan rupee joint initiative, built with a 300 million Sri Lankan rupee grant assistance from the Government of India.
The warehouse is a first-of-its-kind facility in the country, divided into six chambers, each with independent temperature and humidity controls, and each capable of holding around 30,000 crates.
The facility is fully equipped with a receiving area, sorting area, pre-cooling and post-heating chambers, and a service area complete with administrative units, stores, and a quality control lab.
It will significantly minimize post-harvest losses, which currently stand at around 40%, reduce price fluctuations, and ensure the delivery of good-quality agro-produce to consumers around the country.
The inauguration of the Dambulla temperature-controlled warehouse underlines India’s commitment to being a partner in Sri Lanka’s development and prosperity.
Additionally, the supply of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka is being financed through Indian credit assistance of $17 million US dollars.
The 5,000 solar rooftop systems are being supplied to institutions of major religions in Sri Lanka, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
The sites identified by the Government of Sri Lanka span across all nine provinces and 25 districts in the country.
The solar rooftop systems will add 25 megawatts of solar capacity, generating over 37 million units of clean energy annually.
The project will ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy for the beneficiary institutions.
With this, India and Sri Lanka will be partners in the clean energy transition, illuminating the future together.
