Representatives of the Renewable Energy Development Front have informed the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters that a circular allegedly issued to protect large-scale businessmen who supported the government during the election period, have put nearly 100,000 in the solar power sector at risk.
The representatives who met the Mahanayake Theras yesterday (Oct. 27) have elaborated that this circular would deprive 80,000 people working in the solar power sector of their livelihoods, while putting a further 20,000 jobs at risk.
They have also raised several other serious concerns. They pointed out that, when the government came to power, there were 1,150 small - and medium-scale rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) generation units, but that the number had fallen to 600 following the issuance of the circular. They also noted that although people had installed rooftop solar systems to reduce their electricity bills, the government's actions had paved the way for only large-scale businesses able to install solar systems. Representatives of the association told the Mahanayake Theras, We sent 34 letters requesting an appointment with the President to explain this situation. We cannot even remember how many requests we have made to the relevant ministers. We have received no response from anyone so far. The current government has permitted large companies to clear extensive areas of forest to generate electricity through solar power. The meeting was attended by Renewable Energy Development Front Chairman - H.P. Ruwan Chamara, Secretary Sajith Jayawardena, Treasurer Dhananjaya Jayawardena and others. Meanwhile, social media dialogue have pointed out that businessman Dhammika Perera and Akbar Brothers, who operate large-scale solar power generation businesses, have led to this situation. Meanwhile, Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda had also expressed his views on the matter recently.
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