As a solution to a power bill increase that has led to an impasse between the government and the clergy, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power & Energy has promised to install solar panels purchased with cash from an unsubstantiated 100 million US dollar Indian loan at chosen houses of worship.
During a discussion held on September 28 between ministry officials, a group of Buddhist monks, and officials of the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affair, it was decided to swiftly include select religious institutions in a proposed rooftop solar panel initiative by the government, with the cost of the panels to be paid in instalments by the religious institutions.
Watinapaha Somananda Thero, Director of Education (Piriven) at the State Ministry of Dhamma Schools, Pirivenas, and Bhikkhu education, told EconomyNext on Thursday that sites of worship representing Sri Lanka’s diverse faiths will be included in the scheme, which will be implemented in two months.
After discussing the issue with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Minister Kanachana Wijesekera promised a solution to the higher electricity rate, according to the monk.
According to officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Indian loan will be used to acquire solar panels from local producers.
“The loan will be repaid by the Department of Power and Energy. However, it is planned to create a unique payment plan for these locations based on the monthly payment for the solar panels and the electricity rate prior to the increase, according to a Power & Energy Ministry official.
The person, who requested anonymity, added, “Nothing has been verified, conversations are ongoing, and the loan amount has not been determined.”
The Ministry of Energy of Sri Lanka has already begun installing solar panels in government buildings, including schools and hospitals.
