July 16, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of key energy sector initiatives funded under the 2026 Budget while outlining priorities for next year’s expenditure.
Held at the Presidential Secretariat, the discussion focused on the implementation status of projects overseen by the Ministry of Energy, those expected to be completed before the end of the year and the financial provisions required for the 2027 Budget, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Among the projects reviewed was the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) currently being introduced on the islands of Delft, Analaitivu and Nainativu. During the meeting, the President instructed officials to accelerate efforts to transform the three islands into model Green Energy Islands by expanding the use of renewable energy technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
The meeting also examined the revival of several energy projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), many of which were halted during the country’s economic crisis. Officials discussed the funding needed to restart and complete these initiatives under the forthcoming national budget.
Attention was further given to a number of strategic electricity infrastructure projects, including the second 220 kV underground transmission cable linking Kerawalapitiya with the Port of Colombo, the Sampur–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project, the Habarana–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project (CEATP), the installation of a STATCOM system at the Padukka 220 kV Grid Substation and the Rooftop Solar Power Integration and Virtual Net Metering Project.
The President also reviewed the progress of 14 major petroleum sector developments and their projected funding requirements. These include the construction of six additional storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex, two new storage tanks and expanded fuel storage capacity at the Muthurajawela Fuel Storage Complex, the refurbishment of existing tanks at Kolonnawa and the development of fuel loading facilities in Zone 07 of the complex.
Emphasising the importance of timely implementation, President Dissanayake instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that all priority projects are completed within the planned schedule so that the public can benefit from improved energy security, stronger infrastructure and a more reliable power supply.