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‘Chinese companies to generate renewable power’

15 Jul 2021

  • Union alleges Act was amended to permit foreign firms
  • ‘CEB to spend approx. Rs. 14 extra per unit’: CEWU Gen Secy
  • Blames Renewable Energy State Minister Duminda Dissanayake
  • Power Ministry denies allegations 
BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Ceylon Electricity Workers’ Union (CEWU) has alleged that the Government is preparing to amend the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 20 of 2009, to allow foreign companies – most likely to be certain Chinese companies – to generate electricity using renewable energy. When contacted by The Morning, CEWU General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal claimed that there are plans to amend several sections of the said Act to enable foreign companies to obtain licenses to generate electricity using solar and wind power. He further alleged that the CEWU has received information that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is preparing to purchase the electricity that would be generated by such foreign companies at Rs. 22 per unit. Jayalal also noted that whereas local power generators offer electricity for purchase at as little as Rs. 8, the CEB would be paying an additional Rs. 14 per unit in purchasing from foreign firms. “The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority is under the purview of Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Minister Duminda Dissanayake, and the Electricity Act is going to be amended with his intervention,” he further claimed. He further alleged that although the CEB could have easily generated electricity via wind and solar power on its own, these projects are going to be handed over to foreign companies in this manner, because certain parties would receive commissions and other benefits through it. Attempts to contact State Minister Dissanayake and Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Ministry Secretary D.K. Samarakoon to inquire into the matter were unsuccessful. However, when contacted, Power Ministry Secretary Wasantha Perera denied the allegations made by the CEWU. She however noted that since there are certain issues causing inconveniences to investors, the President had appointed a committee to make proposals in this regard to resolve such issues. “Most of Sri Lanka’s electricity is currently generated by private investment. Then the burden on the Government is reduced. However, there are certain matters that cause inconveniences to investors coming here, and they can hence be streamlined.”  Accordingly, Perera said, the committee appointed by the President had made proposals regarding several such issues. “They are not detrimental to the country. Consideration would therefore be given to implementing those proposals that will not be detrimental to electricity consumers, and not be contrary to national policies.” 

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