Press Conference and Panel Discussion on Energy Crisis and Renewable Energy Options
A Press Conference and Panel Discussion on Energy Crisis and Renewable Energy Options, organized by the Coalition of Renewable Energy Associations, will be held on 21st February 2017 at 10.30 a.m. at the Lecture Hall No. 7, at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, No. 100, Sri Lanka Foundation Avenue, Colombo-07.
As stake holders of the renewable energy industry, it is our bounden duty to place before the policy makers and the general public our views and suggestions for a sustainable energy security especially in view of the looming power crisis.
Most of the countries are shutting down their coal, oil and even nuclear power plants and look towards sustainable and green energy to fulfill their needs in multiple sectors such as electricity generation, transport, heating & cooling and other industrial use. Sadly, Sri Lanka, in spite of the enormous potential for clean energy mother nature’s bounty has made available to her, continues to embrace polluting coal and oil.
This press conference is therefore geared towards holding an effective dialog on prevailing energy crisis in our country and renewable energy options available to us in the context of electricity generation to meet long term generation action plan rather than implementing ad hoc solutions promoting thermal generation that contributes to worst effects of climate change and global warming. It goes without saying that the public is asked to bear the economic burden of the irresponsible exercise where enormous amounts of foreign exchange is spent on thermal generation (oil and coal), which could be retained within the local economy and help sustain local renewable energy industry. Some of the salient points to be taken up at the event would be: addressing the arguments put forward against the effective use of renewable energy, policy and institutional gap in utilising renewable energy resources, and, renewable energy options to address the immediate issues we are facing.
Panel Discussion Resource Team:
1. Mr. J. D. K. Wickramaratne, Chairman, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority
2. Mr. Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
3. Mr. Parakrama Jayasighe, Past President of Bio Energy Association of Sri Lanka
4. Mr. Asoka Abeygunawardana, Chairman, Strategic Enterprise Management Agency
5. Prof. Atula Senaratne, Renewable Energy Consultant
Representing Organisations:
1. Bio Energy Association of Sri Lanka
2. Renewable Energy Developers Association
3. Small Hydro Power Developers Association
4. Wind Developers Association
5. Solar Developers Association
6. Renewable Energy Producers Association
Organising Team:
1. Mr. P. R. Wijewardena (Convener) – 0718 067 381
2. Mr. Nelson Nangasighe
3. Mr. Aruna Kadurupokuna
4. Mr. Gamini Perera
5. Mr. Mahinda Thennakoon
Your attendance at the events lined up for 21st February 2017 would be highly appreciated.