By: Staff Writer
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka took a decisive step toward its renewable energy ambitions on Saturday (6), when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the construction of the country’s largest solar project the $140 million Rividanavi Solar Power Park in Kotiyagala, Monaragala. Spanning 500 acres, the project aims to generate 100 MW of electricity, enough to add 219 GWh annually to the national grid and save Rs. 21 billion in foreign exchange otherwise spent on diesel imports.
On paper, the project marks a landmark in Sri Lanka’s long-delayed renewable transition. By 2030, the Government has pledged to source 70% of the nation’s power needs from renewable energy. Yet the reality of implementation has often been more complicated. Projects frequently stall amid red tape, investor uncertainty, and grid constraints, raising the question: will Rividanavi be different?
A Bold Vision, Tangible Gains
The project, spearheaded by private firm Rivi Danavi (a joint venture between Lakdhanavi Ltd. and WindForce PLC), will include a 12 MWh battery storage facility—the first of its kind in the country. This is intended to stabilize the notoriously fragile grid, which relies heavily on costly thermal plants during peak hours. Moreover, the initiative introduces a new model where the investor, not the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), funds and builds the 27 km transmission line and 132 kV substation to connect power to the grid.
Environmental benefits are equally significant. The solar park is projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 metric tons annually, aligning with international climate commitments. On a local scale, the project promises jobs, scholarships, water supply schemes, and vocational training, potentially transforming Monaragala into a renewable hub.
The Bottlenecks in Solar Expansion
Despite the optimism, experts warn that Sri Lanka’s renewable energy roadmap has often been derailed by bureaucratic gridlocks. A single project requires approval from up to 12 different institutions. While the Presidential Secretariat has accelerated approvals for Rividanavi, questions remain about whether such streamlined processes will become standard or remain exceptions.
The CEB, long criticized for favouring coal and thermal expansion over renewables, is another hurdle. Grid absorption capacity remains limited, meaning large-scale projects risk delays once completed. Industry insiders point out that without clear reforms in procurement, transmission planning, and tariff structures, even flagship projects may struggle to achieve their full potential.
Investor Confidence at Stake
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has billed the project as a turning point, highlighting the administration’s commitment to backing private investors. However, investors remain wary due to past experiences of policy reversals and payment delays. The fact that Rividanavi has advanced this far signals progress, but consistency will be critical to build long-term confidence.
A Test Case for 2030 Targets
Sri Lanka’s annual electricity demand hovers around 15,000–16,000 GWh. Rividanavi will contribute only about 1.4% of this symbolically important, but insufficient on its own. Meeting the 70% renewable target by 2030 will require dozens of similar projects, timely approvals, and massive investment in transmission infrastructure.
For now, Rividanavi stands as both a milestone and a test. If delivered on schedule by early 2027, it could mark the beginning of a genuine shift toward clean energy. But if delays, institutional rivalries, or grid challenges stall progress, it risks becoming another reminder of Sri Lanka’s unrealized renewable promises.
