Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the Sri Lankan government to prioritise renewable energy and end its reliance on thermal and diesel power generation, citing Thailand’s latest rooftop solar initiative as an example.
In a post on ‘X’, Premadasa commended the Thai government for introducing a subsidy scheme to encourage households to adopt solar energy, while criticising Sri Lanka’s continued dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
“Way to go forward… Well done, Thai government,” he stated.
Addressing the Sri Lankan government, Premadasa called for an end to what he described as the influence of the “thermal power mafia” and the continued promotion of diesel power generation.
“Stop flirting with the thermal power mafia. Stop encouraging diesel power generation and other non-renewables. Cease the continuous nourishment of non-renewable monopolies and oligarchs,” he said.
He further urged the government not to be influenced by financial incentives offered by those benefiting from non-renewable energy generation.
“Renewables are the way forward. Time to walk the talk and implement the people’s mandate,” Premadasa added.
His remarks came in response to reports that Thailand has launched a 50-billion-baht ‘Rooftop Solar for the Public’ scheme, offering a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household to promote clean energy and reduce electricity bills.
The Thai government has reportedly approved funding to support up to one million households with solar equipment and installation costs.
According to Thai authorities, online registrations for the programme opened earlier this week, attracting more than 50,000 applications on the first day.
The scheme covers residential rooftop solar systems with capacities ranging from 5 to 10 kilowatts, subject to eligibility requirements and installation conditions.
Premadasa’s comments highlight his call for Sri Lanka to accelerate its transition towards renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation. (Newswire)
The government is taking steps to establish a Vocational Technology University in the North Central Province by repurposing partially completed [...]
Prime Minister and Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with US Ambassador Eric Meyer [...]
Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna recently told that the recruitment of 23,000 teachers to fill vacancies in government schools [...]
All schools across the island resumed normal operations today (October 28) following a closure yesterday (October 27) due to inclement [...]
City of Dreams Sri Lanka ushers in the festive season with its Christmas cake mixing City of Dreams Sri Lanka marked the start of Once Upon a Christmas, the integrated [...]
Sri Lanka’s hip-hop scene is gearing up for a major showcase as BODARE VOL. 1 takes place on 19 December 2026, from 1.00 PM onwards at the Grand Oriental Hotel, [...]
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa ushered in the festive season with its annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, held on Friday, 16 October, at the resort’s picturesque Pool Lawn. Embracing [...]
© 2026 Wire Digital. All Rights Reserved.
Loading comments…