By: Staff Writer
October 21, Colombo (LNW): The newly elected President of the Small Hydro Power Developers Association (SHPDA), Pathmanatha Poddiwala, has pledged to lead the association through a transformative era for Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, marked by both opportunity and uncertainty.
Speaking after his election, Poddiwala described it as a “great honour” to head one of Sri Lanka’s oldest renewable energy bodies, which currently supplies nearly 450 MW of firm power to the national grid among the most cost-effective sources of electricity in the country. He commended outgoing President Thusitha and the previous executive committee for their “exemplary leadership” through years of turbulence shaped by the pandemic and shifting energy policies.
Poddiwala acknowledged that small hydro developers are navigating what he called “turbulent weather.” He pointed to mounting industry challenges, including the enforcement of the new Electricity Act, the unbundling of the national utility, unconsented curtailments of power generation, and termination of power purchase agreements (PPAs) issues that have eroded investor confidence and project bankability.
“These are challenges we are facing for the first time in our history,” he said. “But renewable energy remains the cheapest and most sustainable power source, both locally and globally. That is our greatest strength.”
He underscored that Sri Lanka’s indigenous renewable resources particularly hydropower remain the country’s most valuable natural advantage. While investor activity has slowed due to tariff and regulatory constraints, Poddiwala views this as an opportunity to rethink the sector through innovation, efficiency, and technology integration.
Among his top priorities is the adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance grid stability and optimize hydro generation. “Storage technology will allow plants to store power during off-peak hours and release it during demand surges,” he explained, highlighting the growing link between renewable energy and emerging markets such as electric vehicles, tourism, and exports, all of which will drive future power demand.
Poddiwala outlined a forward-looking vision for a strategic, inclusive, and globally connected association. His agenda includes developing a long-term strategic plan, broadening stakeholder participation in decision-making, and building stronger ties with international renewable energy forums, financial institutions, and partners such as the ADB.
He also emphasized the importance of public communication, proposing regular briefings and an expanded media and social media presence to better showcase the sector’s contributions to the national economy. A membership expansion drive is also planned to bring in a wider spectrum of renewable energy players.
“We will hold a strategic brainstorming session to define measurable outcomes for each working group,” Poddiwala said, concluding his address with gratitude to members for their steadfast support. “With collective effort and commitment, we can help shape a resilient and forward-thinking renewable energy future for Sri Lanka.”
