COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (September 3, 2024) — Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power, has unveiled ambitious plans to address Sri Lanka’s energy needs and reduce electricity tariffs if elected as president. He has pledged to cut electricity tariffs by one-third within the first 18 months of his presidency.
Dissanayake’s plan involves a substantial increase in wind power capacity, aiming to generate 40,000 megawatts of electricity from wind power by 2040. He highlighted that the Mannar Basin alone has the potential to support such a large-scale wind power project.
To achieve this, a significant amount of land would be required—between 6,667 and 16,000 square kilometers, which is about 10% to 25% of Sri Lanka’s total land area. Recognizing the challenges of land use, Dissanayake suggested that developing offshore wind farms could be a viable alternative, though it would come with higher costs.
The proposed expansion in wind power is expected to play a crucial role in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and lowering electricity costs for consumers. If successful, this initiative could significantly impact Sri Lanka’s energy sector and overall economic landscape.
