Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert today (02) to discuss the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector and opportunities to expand investment in the industry.

The meeting was attended by a local delegation representing the renewable energy sector, along with Philippe Foute, Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy, Political Officer Anna Bollecker, and other stakeholders from the renewable energy industry.

During the discussion, the Opposition Leader emphasized the importance of achieving Sri Lanka’s national renewable energy targets, including the goal of generating 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

He also noted that stakeholders in the sector have raised concerns over changes to the payment and accounting mechanisms for rooftop solar systems, particularly the Government’s policy shift from net metering and net accounting to the net-plus scheme. He stated that these changes have created uncertainty among solar energy entrepreneurs, affecting the viability of investments in the sector.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader highlighted delays in issuing permits for solar energy projects and other regulatory obstacles faced by the industry, stressing the need to establish a predictable and stable environment for renewable energy investment.

He further emphasized the importance of stable electricity tariffs and a predictable policy environment in attracting foreign investment, noting that Sri Lanka requires a continuous, reliable, high-quality, and affordable supply of electricity.