Vidullanka to further expand overseas renewable energy portfolio by entering B’desh

By Nishel Fernando

Vidullanka PLC, a pioneer in the renewable energy space, said it is looking at enter Bangladesh with a solar power project. The proposed project which is under consideration is expected to further expand and diversify Vidullanka’s foreign renewable energy portfolio.

“We are working on some foreign projects, but nothing immediately. We are looking at a 20MW solar project in Bangladesh,” Vidullanka PLC Founder and Chief Executive  Officer (CEO) Riyaz Mohamed Sangani told reporters in Colombo on the sidelines of a recent event where Vidulanka received the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management.

However, he noted that regulatory approval may take a longer period in particular given that authorities remain much more cautious with the current foreign exchange crisis in the country.

In addition, Sangani revealed that Vidullanka is also exploring hydropower projects in Zambia and Malawi and another solar power project in Malawi.

“We have been working in Zambia and Malawi for 3-4 years now. It has not materialised as yet. Some of these approval processes take a long time,” he added.

On the domestic front, Vidullanka is planning to add approximately 30MW of renewable power next year.
With the settlement of arrears and payments coming in time, Sangani noted that there’s a major improvement in the domestic front.

However, he raised concerns about foreign players such as India’s Adani Group entering the country without a competitive pricing mechanism.   

“They should come with a competitive pricing mechanism. There should be a level-playing field,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sangani outlined the role of good systems and processes in the sustainability of a corporation. He noted that the quality management that’s adopted in line with ISO 9001:2015 certification requirement in the business development, design, and operations of the company’s domestic Hydro and Solar would go a long way in contributing to the sustainability of the company.

“It will help us to improve our own business and it will also enhance our image as a company,” he added. With over 25 years of experience, Vidullanka currently boasts a portfolio of 21 Renewable Energy Power projects ranging from Hydro, Solar, and Dendro sources including in Africa and South America, supplying a capacity of 51MW of power.

Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana