Past-event Press Release
The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on national security established under the Ministry of Defence has organized a Round Table Discussion on “Empowering sustainable energy security in the future: Advancing renewable energy utilization in Sri Lanka by 2030” via ZOOM on Wednesday, the 23rd of August 2023 from 1400hrs to 1600 hrs (IST). The Guest Speakers were, Prof Ajith De Alwis, Senior Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Prof. I M K Fernando, Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Colombo, Prof Mohamed Mahees, Professor in Sociology & President of Arts Council at the University of Colombo and Dr. H.M.Wijekoon, Deputy General Manager (Transmission and Generation Planning), Ceylon Electricity Board as a pioneer official representing the Ministry of Power and Energy respectively. Further, the event was moderated by Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardena RWP**, RSP, VSV, USP, nswc, psc, hdmc, Acting Director General and Director (Communications and Publications) of the Institute of National Security Studies. The audience consisted of ministry officials, academics, researchers, policy makers, representatives from Sri Lanka Armed Forces and Sri Lanka Police.
The welcome note was presented by Ms. Charani Patabendige- Actg Research Analyst of INSS, welcoming all Speakers and Participants to the round table discussion. Thereafter, the inaugural guest speaker, Professor I M K Fernando, from the Department of Physics at the University of Colombo, delved into the promising realm of renewable energy resources in Sri Lanka. He underscored the significance of Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric, Biomass, Biogas, and Geothermal Energy sources as catalysts for elevating Sri Lanka's energy development agenda. Following this, Professor Mohamed Mahees, an accomplished scholar in Sociology and also President of the Arts Council at the University of Colombo, provided a comprehensive exploration of the potential social, environmental, and political consequences associated with the implementation of renewable energy initiatives. He emphasized the imperative need for thorough feasibility studies before embarking on such transformative endeavors. Moving forward, the third speaker, Professor Ajith De Alwis, a distinguished Senior Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, illuminated the capacity of Sri Lanka to overcome impending challenges, shedding light on existing Renewable Energy Technologies and the global progress in Renewable Energy programs. His presentation included astute observations and recommendations to enhance grid infrastructure for the seamless integration of renewable energy in Sri Lanka. Dr. H.M. Wijekoon, Deputy General Manager () of the Ceylon Electricity Board, representing the Ministry of Power and Energy, offered insights into the ongoing predicaments faced by the Ceylon Electricity Board, along with the strategic developmental roadmap aimed at intensifying the renewable energy agenda by 2030. Additionally, he elaborated on the overarching vision to curtail Sri Lanka's carbon footprint in the energy sector.
In the concluding moments of the programme, the moderator orchestrated an engaging Q&A session, permitting the speakers to share their expert insights with the audience in a constructive manner. Finally, Mr. Thusitha Bulathgama, INSS Research Assistant, expressed gratitude and extended a Vote of Thanks, culminating the Round Table Discussion on a gratifying note.