Chamber warns of Rs. 245 billion solar savings at risk

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) has raised alarm over threats to a major solar energy programme that could deliver Rs. 245 billion in savings for the nation's economy.

In a direct appeal to the President, the chamber warned that delays or policy reversals affecting solar power development could undermine long-term energy security and economic gains. The NCCSL emphasized that the solar initiative represents a critical component of Sri Lanka's strategy to reduce energy costs and dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The chamber's intervention comes amid concerns about the implementation timeline and commitment to renewable energy projects. Solar power expansion has been identified as essential to lowering Sri Lanka's energy bills while supporting climate and sustainability goals.

Officials have not publicly detailed the specific threats or obstacles cited by the NCCSL, though energy policy implementation has faced various challenges in recent years. The chamber's call for presidential intervention underscores the business sector's anxiety about the viability of major economic and infrastructure commitments.