Sri Lanka energy targets in place

By Cheranka Mendis

Sri Lanka has set firm targets in the field of power and energy, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority said yesterday, which includes providing all households in the country with access to electricity by the end of the year.

From the 4.8 million households in the country, 95% already have access to electricity. However, by end 2012 every household would receive electricity supply, they said.

Chairman of the authority Dr. Kithsiri Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka must also concentrate on achieving self sufficiency in energy sources in the near future. The country must concentrate on sustainable renewable energy sources which would have minimum effect to the global atmosphere and which could support the country’s energy requirements.

Dissanayake stated that as at now the majority of the energy the country needs is imported, with 60% accounting for crude oil and coal. In 2010 the expenses for crude oil purchases alone ran up a bill of Rs. 28,500 million, he said.

“Research has proved that crude oil will run out in 40 years. Sri Lanka should then be ready to survive in a world without it. The best way to do this is to look at alternative sources; sources that can be reused and sustained in the long run.”

The country should now explore possibilities such as hydro power, wind, solar and biomasses.

Practical Action Consulting Country Manager Namiz Musafer added that the target is to achieve self sufficiency in energy by 2030. “We must achieve energy independence by 2030, that is the aim,” he said.

Musafer noted that even though the path towards the goal would weigh heavily on the pockets of the citizens at first, soon it would be a cost effective, cheap method.

Sri Lanka, which is said to be rich in sustainable renewable energy sources, must create wider awareness of its importance and proper usage, he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Postal Services yesterday launched an art competition for students to design a postage stamp on the theme of ‘Sustainable Energy for All.’ The competition encourages students to design a first day cover for the above themed stamp.

The competition is organised in collaboration with Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and Practical Action. It is open for students between the ages of 14 to 18 years. All entries have to be certified by the principal of the respective schools and should reach the Team Leader – Programme Development Unit of Practical Action by 31 January. Winning entries will be awarded prizes and certificates at an art exhibition organised along with the issuing of the stamp this March.