Sri Lanka, together with Australia, was elected by acclamation to the post of Vice President of the Standing Committee (Asia–Pacific Group) during the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly held in New Delhi on 04 November 2024. By virtue of this post, Sri Lanka will also be the Chair of the Regional Committee (Asia-Pacific Group) for 2025–2026.
During the session, India was elected to the ISA Presidency, with France as the post Co- President. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was accorded the ISA Partner Organisation Status.
The ISA Assembly is an annual international conference to promote global solar transformation. It serves as a platform for stakeholders of government, industry, academia, and NGOs to deliberate on advocacy, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and financing in achieving optimal level of solar energy capacity.
Delivering the country statement on behalf of Sri Lanka, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi Priyanga Wickramasinghe thanked ISA member states for their support and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the progress of ISA’s agenda. Being the incumbent Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka also recorded the appreciation for according Partner Organisation Status to IORA.
The Deputy High Commissioner recalled the pledge of the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve 70% of its electricity requirement from renewable energy sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality in electricity generation by 2050. She highlighted that Sri Lanka has identified several key regions with significant potential for renewable energy development, particularly in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern provinces, which are earmarked for large-scale wind and solar projects. Reference was made to the 100MW Siyambalanduwa solar project being currently underway.
The ISA is an intergovernmental organisation for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for energy access, energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries. Sri Lanka ratified the Framework Agreement of the ISA in 2018, becoming a founding member. The Ministry of Energy of Sri Lanka serves as the focal point for the ISA.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi