President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also an independent presidential candidate, has outlined his vision for an economy driven by renewable energy. 

Speaking in English to avoid making a political speech, Wickremesinghe emphasized the urgency of meeting the 2050 climate change deadline and the importance of renewable energy in achieving this goal.

On Wednesday (28), President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared open the Open Cycle phase of the "Sobadhanavi" 350 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya, the first Sri Lankan power plant to be operated on LNG as the primary fuel

Wickremesinghe highlighted the significance of the power plant, a 350-megawatt facility, as a crucial component of Sri Lanka's economic development plan. 

He stressed that no development can occur without adequate power and energy, and as the country reaches the limits of its hydro power capabilities, new sources of energy must be explored.

Renewable energy, according to the President, will be the next major focus for Sri Lanka. He pointed out the potential for surplus energy demand and the opportunities presented by the proposed India-Singapore power line. Drawing parallels to the apparel industry's growth in 1977, he asserted that renewable energy must become a key growth sector for the next decade.

"There will always be a demand for surplus energy and if the India-Singapore power line comes into being, we just have to get on to it. So there is a future and this is why this is one of the growth sectors. Like what apparel was for us in 1977, renewable energy must be for us in the next decade," said Wickremesinghe.

The President also discussed the future of green hydrogen, which is still in its formative stages globally but holds significant promise. He noted that Australia is making substantial progress in becoming a green energy superpower and emphasized that Sri Lanka has about 50 gigawatts of energy potential that must be utilized.

Wickremesinghe called for new laws to expedite the development of power plants and to address any objections swiftly. He envisioned a future where green hydrogen could be used in Sri Lanka's ports, particularly Trincomalee and Colombo, enhancing the country's potential as a logistics center.

"We cannot allow people to come and try and prevent this being used. We have to use it and if necessary, new laws should be brought in to allow the power plants to come up quickly and any objections are disposed of by the government and the cabinet. That is the only way that we could do this, which means we have the potential not only for renewable energy but for green hydrogen. Now once green hydrogen works, just imagine we use it in our three ports, especially Trincomalee, the closest and Colombo," he added.

Wickremesinghe underscored that the power sector is not just about energy but also about leveraging technology for national progress. His vision includes maximizing renewable energy resources and positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in green energy and innovation.