Govt. to follow G2G agreements and competitive bidding for future large-scale energy projects

Monday, 10 March 2025 04:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Power Minister Kumara Jayakody

Highlights Cabinet approves to recruit engineers to CEB in three phases amid exodus
Discusses unexpected power outages with minor fluctuations
Insists on urgency of integrating solar and alternative energy sources to enhance reliability
Pushes for national policy be introduced in two months on street lights

Power Minister Kumara Jayakody last week said the future large-scale projects would only proceed through Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements and competitive bidding, aimed at ensuring transparency and cost efficiency.

The revelation was made by the Minister during Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy in Parliament on 6 February.

The much-debated wind power project with India’s Adani Group remains in limbo, with Minister Jayakody confirming that it has not been officially scrapped—at least not yet.

He revealed that the project’s pricing concerns had prompted a Government review. As per the Minister, although Adani’s parent company had informed the Board of Investment (BoI) of its intention to withdraw, discussions with the conglomerate’s local representatives are still ongoing.

Noting that a response is expected within two weeks following the letter that was sent Jayakody also informed the Committee that if a negative response is received, it will be necessary to move toward an alternative.

Beyond Adani, the meeting also tackled pressing challenges within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), where it grappled with an exodus of engineers, many of whom left the country amid the economic crisis. However, it was noted that the Cabinet of Ministers has recently approved filling these gaps in three phases, with the first batch of recruitments already underway.

In addition, discussions highlighted concerns over persistent unexpected power outages, while warning that even minor system fluctuations could destabilise the grid — thus insisting on the urgency of integrating solar and alternative energy sources to enhance reliability. The Committee also spotlighted the neglected state of streetlights, calling for better coordination between Local Government and the CEB.

Minister Jayakody acknowledged the issue and pledged to roll out a national streetlight policy within two months.

Furthermore, discussions were held regarding matters related to the Ministry at the Divisional, Provincial and District level.

Members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee, including Members of Parliament, participated in this meeting.

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