PM stresses energy independence as key to national security

The Sobadanavi LNG Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya with a Capacity of 350 MW Integrated into the National Grid

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that energy independence is vital for Sri Lanka’s national development, warning that without it even the country’s security could be at risk.  

Speaking at the second phase of the 350-megawatt Sobadanavi Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya yesterday, the Prime Minister said safeguarding energy independence must remain a top national priority to ensure both economic stability and security.  

As one of the key projects in the Ceylon Electricity Board’s long-term generation plan, Sobadanavi will provide 12% of the nation’s present electricity demand. The plant operates on LNG as its primary fuel and diesel as secondary fuel. To ensure maximum efficiency from LNG use, a supply agreement has been signed with the Government of Sri Lanka, guaranteeing LNG supply within three years of the plant commencing full commercial operations. The project is implemented by Sobadanavi (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Lakdhanavi Ltd, which itself is part of LTL Holdings, a subsidiary of the Ceylon Electricity Board. Financing was secured through a consortium of local banks, with a direct agreement signed between the Government and lenders in April 2025.  

Addressing the occasion, Nuhuman Marikkar, Chief Executive Officer of LTL Holdings, said: “Our company, which began as a small 25 MW power plant, has now grown to become one of the leading enterprises in the energy sector. We must also take a moment to remember our founder, Mr. U.D. Jayawardena. I extend my gratitude to the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Ministry of Finance and related institutions, as well as the banks that provided financial support, all of whom contributed to the success of the Sobadanavi project.”