ADB launches two publications on SL’s energy sector

Sri Lanka yesterday saw the launch of two energy sector publications, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which maps the journey of the local electricity supply industry.

Publications titled ‘On the Road to Achieving Full Electrification’ and ‘The Story of Lanka Electricity Company’ were launched under the ADB Serendipity Knowledge Programme for Sri Lanka.

From right: ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono hands over newly launched publications to Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera in Colombo  PIC BY KITHSIRI DE MEL

‘The Story of Lanka Electricity Company’ presents the landmark achievements of LECO, then a new distribution utility established in Sri Lanka in 1983, whereas the ‘On the Road to Achieving Full Electrification in Sri Lanka’ collates many initiatives taken in achieving the important milestone in achieving full electrification and evaluates the socioeconomic impact of electrification. 

The latter also documents the development and evolution of Sri Lanka’s electricity sector and sets the stage for the country in achieving its new goal of generating 70 percent of electricity through renewable energy by 2030. 

“Improving governance and providing equitable access to electricity has always been key in the development agenda of ADB for energy sector operations and these publications are well aligned with ADB’s vision and operational priorities,” ADB said at the launch event.

ADB was the first multilateral lending agency to provide a loan solely dedicated to rural electrification to Sri Lanka and approved three loans to support rural electrification between 1980 and 1996.