Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated that the daily power demand of the country would be fulfilled regardless of whatever obstacles are met along the way.
He stated this at an event in Mawanella where solar panels were installed at religious institutions.
The Minister explained that at present, there was only 36 percent of water bodies available to generate hydropower to the entire country, and that as such, the expensive and environmentally-unfriendly coal and diesel were our next solutions. He added that 70 percent of the power generation was presently being done through diesel power plants.
Siyambalapitiya also added numerous alternatives were resorted to in an effort to successfully deliver uninterrupted power to the country, in the face of the recent fuel crisis.
He then proceeded to state that although solar energy seemed to be the ideal source for power generation given Sri Lanka’s close proximity to the equator, the system had not been properly followed owing to various problems. However, he said, we are now finally implementing the method.
“A revolution is where forward progress is ensured regardless of obstacles,” Siyambalapitiya said, adding: “Similarly, regardless of whatever obstacles our thrown in our way, we will spread the solar power revolution far and wide to all corners of the country.”
He then elaborated on the benefits of solar power generation, and explained that our currency would not be sent out of the country, the environmental protection would be ensured, and the country’s power network would finally achieve a balance.
The aim, he added, is to convert 1 million household roofs into solar power generation centers.
He further stated that as with most worthy causes, the project’s forward march was proving to be quite tricky.
Even media prioritizes the negatives over the positives, he said, and further stated that the public itself preferred seeing and hearing about the negatives rather than the positives.
He thus explained that the authorities had therefore taken the decision to install solar panels free-of-charge to religious institutions, which were highly regarded by our community, in an attempt to expedite the solar power revolution of Sri Lanka.
