“Sectorizing Sri Lanka’s Energy Production; A Solid Remedy for the Prevailing Crisis”
February 14, 2022Institute of National Security Studies
public Lecture
“Sectorizing Sri Lanka’s Energy Production; A Solid Remedy for the Prevailing Crisis”
Press Release
Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established under the Ministry of Defence, organized a Public Lecture titled “Sectorizing Sri Lanka’s Energy Production; A Solid Remedy for the Prevailing Crisis” on Friday, 11th February 2022, from 1400hrs to 1530hrs (IST) via Zoom. The Guest Speaker of the event was Eng. Dr. Narendra de Silva, General Manager, Lanka Electricity Corporation. Mr. Madushan Senevirathna, Research Analyst, Institute of National Security Studies moderated the event on behalf of Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawarden, RWP**, RSP, VSV, USP, nswc, psc, hdmc, Director (Communications and Publications), Institute of National Security Studies. The audience comprised of officers from Tri Forces, representatives from Ministry of Power, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, think tanks and academia. The moderator commenced the discourse by elaborating on significance of energy diversification, given the looming energy crisis of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Narendra de Silva presented on the status quo of energy supply, energy demand and energy balance of Sri Lanka. At present, renewable energy accounts for a share of 60% of the total energy supply of the country. Further, he elaborated a methodical explanation over the course of action required to achieve the government’s declared target of achieving 70% of electricity needs through renewable energy by 2030.
According to Dr. Narendra de Silva, reduction of biomass energy production by 10% and increase of dependency of transport sector on electricity by 10% are two possible energy transitions, which energy planners should be mindful in formulating the exit strategy of current energy crisis in Sri Lanka.
The insightful presentation of Dr Narendra de Silva was followed by a thought provoking Q and A session, which provided an array of notable methods to realize the government’s goal to be an energy self-sufficient nation by 2030. Subsequent to the concluding remarks by the moderator, Ms. Kamalni Herath, Intern (Research) at INSS, delivered the vote of thanks marking the closure of the event.