⚡ Energy Self-Sufficiency Urged as Priority for Sri Lanka’s Recovery

• Strategic Imperative: High dependence on imported fossil fuels leaves the nation vulnerable to external shocks, including volatile global fuel prices and climate risks. Establishing renewable energy self-sufficiency is vital to protect the economy, national production, and food security. • Power System Targets: Under the National System Operator’s Interim Report (2027-2029) submitted to PUCSL, Sri Lanka aims to boost renewable energy power generation to ~68% by 2029. This aligns with PUCSL’s mandate to increase green energy from 50% to 70% between 2025 and 2030. • Sector Bottlenecks & Thermal Burden: While rooftop solar energy has surpassed targets, wind power faces environmental, land, and financing constraints. Thermal generation reliance cost ~Rs. 150 Bn in imported coal and oil in 2025, a figure projected to rise amid global fuel supply instability. Urgent rollout of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and grid infrastructure is required. • Macro & Policy Context: State-led investment in energy infrastructure must take precedence over pure return-on-investment or utility profitability metrics. Policy shifts—such as moving away from strict IMF cost-recovery pricing to targeted public subsidies—can support off-grid solar power for rural agriculture, expand public transport, safeguard livelihoods, and lower utility costs as the current IMF program nears its conclusion in March 2027. _(Source: PUCSL Stakeholder Consultation Oral Submission, BMICH, Sept 2026)_