On 20 May 2024, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, led a delegation comprising of representatives from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), EGAT International Co., Ltd., PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), and Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited to Sri Lanka to explore potential opportunities in Sri Lanka’s alternative energy sector.

The Thai delegation met with Mr. Kanchana Wijesekara, Minister of Power and Energy, Mr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy, and Mr. Nalinda Sampath llangakoon, President of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), to discuss possible opportunities and future cooperation. Moreover, the Delegation met with Mr. Dinesh Weerakody, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), and senior executives from the Sustainable Energy Authority and received briefings to learn Sri Lanka’s potential and opportunities for future investment that could benefit both Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, with its abundant natural resources, especially in hydropower, wind energy, and solar energy, has significant potential for alternative energy development. The country is committed to promoting the use of alternative energy, aiming for 70% usage by 2030. Meanwhile, Thailand can bring advanced technology and expertise, particularly in floating solar panel technology, for investment in Sri Lanka.

The Thai delegation is also scheduled to visit various sites, including floating solar panel installations at the Deduru Oya and Yan Oya dams in the Anuradhapura district, as well as meet with the Sri Lanka private sector involved in alternative energy in Sri Lanka.