The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Government of India, and U Solar Clean Energy Systems, a Bengaluru-based company, signed the agreement, This project by India addresses the energy needs of the people of the three islands

India and Sri Lanka have inked an agreement for the development of a hybrid renewable energy system across three islands in the northern Jaffna peninsula. According to Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, the project will entail the construction of 530 kW of wind power, 1,700 kW of solar power, 2,400 kWh of battery power, and a 2,500 kW diesel power system for Delft, Analativu, and Nainativu islets. The initiative, fully funded by a financial grant of USD 10.995 million from the Indian government, aims to provide the islands with hybrid renewable energy systems by March 2025.

The project, aimed at meeting the energy needs of the island residents, is a testament to the strong bilateral partnership between India and Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony, attended by Indian envoy Santosh Jha, marked a significant milestone in this collaborative effort. The agreement was signed by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Government of India, and U Solar Clean Energy Systems, a Bengaluru-based company.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo highlighted the importance of the project on social media, emphasizing India’s commitment to its neighboring country’s energy requirements. Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, expressed gratitude for India’s assistance, underscoring the critical role of such partnerships in addressing crucial needs in the region.

The initiative reflects the priorities outlined in the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision document, which identified the energy sector as a key area of cooperation. With India’s development assistance portfolio in Sri Lanka standing at USD 5 billion, of which nearly USD 600 million are in grants, the project underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship and India’s commitment to supporting its neighbor’s development goals.