By: Isuru Parakrama

November 24, Colombo (LNW): A new public-private partnership project launched in the Sabaragamuwa Province will contribute an additional 300 megawatts of solar power to Sri Lanka’s national grid.

The initiative, aimed at expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity, was formally inaugurated on Tuesday (19) by the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Champa Janaki Rajaratne, at the Ratnapura Kumara Vidyalaya.

This solar power project is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s energy mix through renewable sources, with similar projects being rolled out across all seven provinces.

The scheme is being carried out as a joint venture between the Provincial Councils and Gala Green Energy Holdings, a private sector partner.

Under the initiative, solar panels will be installed on the rooftops of state-owned buildings, including schools and hospitals, across the provinces.

The project is designed not only to generate clean energy but also to promote sustainability within local communities. Additional energy systems will be set up at these sites to ensure efficient power generation.

All electricity produced will be fed into the national grid, contributing to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals.

The total cost of the project, estimated at US$ 200 million, is fully funded by Gala Green Energy Holdings.

In return for their participation, provincial councils will receive 16 per cent of the revenue generated from the electricity produced, paid on a monthly basis.

This initiative forms part of a larger vision to transform Sri Lanka’s energy landscape by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the use of solar energy.

By the end of the project, the combined solar power generation capacity across the country is expected to reach 300 megawatts.

In conjunction with the launch, a special art exhibition on renewable energy sources was held at Ratnapura Kumara Vidyalaya, where schoolchildren from the district showcased their creative works.

The exhibition aimed to raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy and its role in combating climate change.