Ravi slams Government’s mixed signals on renewable energy

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - A heated debate broke out in Parliament yesterday (17) as UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake criticised the government’s handling of the country’s renewable energy policy and power sector management.

The discussion came in the wake of the nationwide blackout that occurred on February 9 this year, which the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) blamed on excessive solar power destabilising the national grid.

Ravi Karunanayake raising the matter in Parliament, pointed out the government’s inconsistent position on renewable energy.

He noted that while solar power was being blamed for grid problems, the government had at the same time called for international bids to build 152 megawatts of solar power projects across 18 locations.

Karunanayake said this sent mixed signals to both local and foreign investors and questioned the logic of promoting international solar projects while discouraging domestic solar producers.

In his statement, Karunanayake said the government was failing to recognise the true potential of renewable energy.

He argued that while solar and wind are not considered firm power sources on their own, modern technology like battery storage could easily solve that problem.

Furthermore, he accused the authorities of deliberately slowing down renewable energy progress while continuing to rely heavily on oil-based power generation, which drains billions of dollars in foreign exchange every year.

Karunanayake also expressed concern over the lack of opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.

"Local companies have already proven their ability to handle small and medium-sized projects but are now being forced to compete with large international firms for relatively small projects," He stated

He questioned why the government could not set a clear policy that reserves projects below 10 megawatts for local investors, allowing foreign companies to bid only for larger projects.

He further questioned the delay in finalising plans for the importation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), noting that new power plants were being approved and built without a confirmed supply. 

As such, Karunanayake warned that such poor planning could leave the country vulnerable in the future.

Another major concern raised by the MP was the possibility of electricity price hikes. He noted that under the IMF-backed cost-reflective pricing system, tariffs had been reduced two months ago but hinted that an increase was being planned urging the government to reveal when and by how much prices would rise.

Karunanayake criticised the government for protecting oil-based power generation while placing restrictions on renewable energy.

He stressed that renewable sources like wind and solar are free natural resources that require no foreign currency to develop and could reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported oil.