A ceremonial handing over of rooftop solar power systems was recently held at four religious sites in Sri Lanka, marking the commencement of a $17 million project financed by India. The solar systems were installed at the Hokandara Temple, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony’s Church, and Mutwal Jumma Mosque, all located in the Western Province.
Officials from the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) attended the events. This initiative aims to install rooftop solar panels at 5,000 religious sites across Sri Lanka, with the goal of reducing energy costs for these institutions while facilitating the country’s transition to clean energy.
The project is expected to be completed by early next year and includes a five-year maintenance period to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed a strong commitment to advancing bilateral projects of Sri Lankan priority under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, highlighting this solar initiative as a significant effort to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
Following the visit, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath noted that discussions had also taken place regarding providing rooftop solar units to all places of religious worship. Additional renewable energy projects include solar electrification for around 9,000 Buddhist temples and Pirivenas, supported by a $10 million grant, as well as hybrid renewable energy projects in three islands off Jaffna. Major projects also encompass LNG supply and infrastructure development, along with the solar power plant at Sampur.
