Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of a 50 MW solar power plant in the eastern port district of Trincomalee, in collaboration with India-backed Trincomalee Power Company Ltd, the government announced.
The project replaces a previously planned 500 MW coal-fired power plant, initially agreed upon by Sri Lanka and India in 2006. The coal power project, intended for Sampur in Trincomalee, faced delays due to legal challenges and was ultimately canceled by the Supreme Court. Following this, Sri Lanka requested India to transition the project into a renewable energy initiative.
After discussions on alternative energy solutions, both governments reached an agreement to establish solar power plants in two phases—50 MW in the first stage and 70 MW in the second. The project will be developed as a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
“The Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of India have agreed to establish solar power plants with a total capacity of 120 MW in Sampur, Trincomalee,” a Cabinet statement confirmed.
The Trincomalee Power Company Ltd, originally set up as a joint venture for the coal power project, will oversee the implementation of the 50 MW solar power plant in the first phase.
The Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy, paving the way for the necessary steps to commence the project.
