Power Minister canvasses Oman’s support for renewable energy quest

By Ifham Nizam

Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge yesterday sought the support of the Oman Government to strengthen President Gotabaya Rajapaksa renewable energy policy initiative.

He recalled that President Rajapaksa had directed that the plans be devised to meet 70 percent of the country’s electricity demand using renewable energy sources by the year 2030.

Lokuge yesterday met First Secretary of the Embassy of Oman Majid Salin Al Mukhaini and Abdul Al Bulushi and also discussed about petroleum resources and sustainable energy development.

Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy Mrs. Wasantha Perera was also present during the discussion which was held at the Ministry of Power.

Discussion also focused on climatic changes that all countries across the globe are facing, the usage of renewable sources of energy, abandoning fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

Sri Lanka’s annual increment demand for electricity was at six percent. It had been calculated that following the launch of development projects electricity demand would further increase, the Minister pointed out.

‘We should harness renewable energy sources as much as possible for our future generations to experience sustainable development”, President Rajapaksa’s statement was also highlighted during the discussion.

The Government had made the promotion of renewable energy a top priority, he told the diplomats.