Govt. declares 26 June as National Energy Day

The Cabinet of Ministers this week granted approval to declare 26 June as the annual National Energy Day, in tandem with a national program to enhance the knowledge, attitudes and creativity of school children on sustainable energy.

The move follows a joint proposal submitted by Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma and Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

The date was chosen on the basis that it was on 26 June in 1882 when Sri Lankans first saw the light emitted by an electric torch, when the German ship SS Helios arrived at the Port of Colombo.

The Government said National Energy Day would be celebrated annually from 2021 onwards. 

To coincide with this year’s National Energy Day, the Government plans to roll various activities to enhance the knowledge, attitudes and creativity of school children on sustainable energy.

 These will be conducted with the assistance from the Power Ministry, Energy Ministry, Education Ministry and Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Ministry.

The proposed educational program for school children will end 26 June next year, ending with a national prize giving ceremony.

The Government recently announced an ambitious target to meet 80% of the country’s electricity demand through renewable sources by 2030.