Govt. appoints combined standing committee to expedite renewable energy projects

Wednesday, 13 December 2023 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Charumini de Silva

In a strategic move aimed at meeting the Nationally Determined Contribution targets by 2030, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the formation of a combined standing committee to expedite renewable energy projects. The committee, chaired by the Presidential Secretariat, will play a pivotal role in expediting the implementation of renewable energy projects countrywide.

The move comes following the decision made on 20 September, reflecting a recognition of the urgency to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources. The existing methods and associated time constraints have prompted the need for a more efficient system, taking into consideration the challenges faced by investors.

“This centralised approach aims to streamline the decision-making process, reduce the bureaucratic hurdles, and facilitate a more agile execution of projects critical to achieving Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals by 2030,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The composition of the committee includes representatives from key institutions involved in the decision-making and monitoring processes for renewable energy projects.

The committee comprises members from the Presidential Secretariat (Chairman), Prime Minister’s Office, Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry, Investment Promotions Ministry, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Ministry, Environment Ministry, Tourism and Lands Ministry, Industries Ministry, Power and Energy Ministry, Irrigation Ministry, Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board.

The committee’s primary responsibilities will be to make informed decisions on renewable energy projects, ensuring efficient and prompt implementation.

The proposal to this effect presented by the Power and Energy Kanchana was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.