### Energy Security at Risk: Fossil Fuel Dependency and Policy Gaps 📈

Expert analyst Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe warns that Sri Lanka’s energy sector is at a breaking point due to "fossil fuel obsession" and delayed renewable energy adoption. • Current Crisis Factors Rising global oil prices due to Middle East tensions. Prolonged dry spell increasing reliance on expensive thermal power. Coal supply issues: 13 shipments needed by April 30; emergency coal costs ~40% extra. • Cost and Supply Risks Electricity prices expected to rise as PUCSL factors in current generation costs. Potential power cuts in July/August 2026 if El-Nino conditions reduce hydropower and coal shortages persist. Peak demand has crossed 3 GW for the first time; daytime demand is trailing closely. • Sector Breakdowns & Bottlenecks Solar: Significantly reduces daytime oil needs, but growth is stifled by "hostile" policies and a lack of storage. Battery Storage: Critically undersupplied. Current capacity is zero; 160 MW awarded recently is far below the required 500 MW. Restructuring: CEB unbundled into 4 entities (Generation, Transmission, Distribution, System Operations), but lacks clear contract agreements (PPAs/PSAs) and corporate expertise. • Urgent Recommendations Shift from "diversification" to total independence from imported fossil fuels. Rapidly scale renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass) via viable feed-in tariffs. Implement merit-based recruitment and transparent policy frameworks to attract private capital.