President Ranil Wickramasinghe inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant, ‘Sobadhanavi,’ in Kerawalapitiya today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector. The new power plant, built by the Lakdanavi Company at a cost of $220 million, is set to add 350 MW of electricity to the national grid, bolstering the country’s power capacity.
During the inauguration, President Wickramasinghe emphasized the critical importance of renewable energy in Sri Lanka’s future, particularly in meeting the nation’s 2050 climate change targets. He praised the Lakdanavi Company for their successful completion of the project, which he described as a key achievement in the ongoing efforts to stabilize and grow the country’s economy.
The President highlighted the need to transition from reliance on hydropower to new energy sources that align with global climate policies. He expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s potential to become a surplus producer of renewable energy, mentioning the possibility of exporting excess energy through future initiatives like the proposed India-Singapore power transmission line.
In his speech, President Wickramasinghe also announced plans to establish four new technical universities across the country to address the shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in the fields of technology and engineering. One of these institutions will be an extension of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Chennai, to be located in Galaha, while the others are planned for Kurunegala, Sitawaka or Kithulgala, and Siane Korala.
Furthermore, the President discussed the integration of technology across all sectors, with a particular focus on expanding artificial intelligence capabilities. He mentioned the forthcoming Technology Development Bill, which is expected to be a key driver in Sri Lanka’s transition to a green and digital economy, setting the stage for a new era of growth.
President Wickramasinghe concluded his address by urging continued focus on the energy sector, recognizing its vital role not only in providing power but also in advancing technological development. He expressed his vision for Sri Lanka to become a global leader in green energy, leveraging the country’s renewable energy potential and technological advancements.
