Minister of Power Kumara Jayakody has confirmed that the proposed wind power project with India’s Adani Group has not been officially canceled, despite the company’s withdrawal notice.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy in the Tenth Parliament, Jayakody stated that the project’s pricing concerns had been referred to the Cabinet for reconsideration. While Adani’s parent company had informed Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) of its withdrawal, discussions are ongoing with Adani’s local representative. A final response on the project is expected within two weeks.
“If a negative response is received, we will explore alternatives,” the Minister said, adding that future energy projects would be pursued through government-to-government (G2G) agreements and competitive procurement.
Addressing Energy Sector Challenges
The meeting also addressed critical issues in the power sector, including staff shortages at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). Officials highlighted that many engineers had left the country during the economic crisis, creating vacancies. However, Cabinet approval has been granted to recruit replacements in three phases, with the first batch currently being processed.
Additionally, discussions were held on unexpected power outages, with officials noting that even minor system fluctuations can cause instability. Efforts are underway to enhance grid resilience by incorporating solar power.
The Committee also emphasized the need for improved streetlight maintenance, urging local government institutions and the Electricity Board to collaborate. Minister Jayakody announced that a policy on this issue would be finalized within two months.
Members of Parliament and officials from the Ministry of Power participated in the discussions, addressing various energy-related matters at the provincial, district, and divisional levels.
