SL aiming at being global energy hub - Secretary

Ridma Dissanayake

"Sri Lanka has shown tremendous development during the recent years and is aiming to become the global energy hub under the five hub concept in the Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision policy.

"In such circumstances, the authorities of the Sri Lanka Power and Energy sector have a great responsibility in converting the country as the energy hub of the world", Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardena said. 'Since Sri Lanka entertains energy hub ambitions using energy alternatives is an essential factor. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar feedstock are freely available in all parts of the country. Meanwhile hydrogen also shows great promise as a source of energy in Sri Lanka," he added.

Siriwardena was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the workshop on 'Renewable energy coupled to hydrogen energy storage: an opportunity for sustainable energy investments in Sri Lanka' held at the Cinnamon Lake Hotel, Colombo. This workshop was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies (ICHET) along with the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA).

The main objectives of the workshop was, to sensitize relevant stakeholders to the concepts of renewable energy and activate synergies within public sector, to promote UNIDO and (ICHET) activities in Sri Lanka with particular emphasis on renewable and clean energy technologies sector for stationary and transport applications in combination with hydrogen technologies, to promote the consortium composed of private companies, public sector, governmental and R&D organizations that can act as incubators to attract, support and manage hydrogen based projects in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism Authority (SLTA) Director General, Vipul Wanigasekera addressing the workshop stated that with the end of the war, the tourism industry in Sri Lanka has been booming fast. It has become the most important industry in the Sri Lankan economy.

A large number of foreign investors had arrived in Sri Lanka and most of them have already commenced their projects in a very successful manner.

"We hope to have sustainable development in Sri Lanka. There are five pillars in sustainability. They are energy, water, food, waste and ecology. Our strategy is to clearly put out the benefits of sustainable development to all parts of the country."

"We intend to go towards development without harming the environment. Using renewable energy will support us to make that endeavour a success," Wanigasekara said.

UNIDO Regional Director for South Asia A. Fujino, UNESCO National Commission Secretary General Dr. Preethi Perera and Hydrogen Desk Advisor Vittorio Coco also participated.