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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 21 May 2026

10th Parliament· 21 debates· 196 speeches· 66 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23621 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  13. 13 Oral question Standing Order 27(2) Question: Renewable Energy Outstanding Payments 5 speeches
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF

      AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a Standing Order 27(2) question on setbacks in the renewable energy sector, citing curtailment, policy uncertainty, weak storage incentives, non-competitive tariffs and payment arrears reportedly exceeding Rs. 15 billion since December 2025. He asked the Government to provide details on outstanding payments, cost comparisons between thermal and renewable generation, reasons for prioritising thermal payments, and the basis for curtailing renewables during low-demand periods. He also sought information on affected developers, projects, employment and banking exposure, and requested immediate measures to clear arrears and a comprehensive renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, payment guarantees, storage, grid integration and long-term energy security.

      EnvironmentPublic FinanceInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that outstanding payments to renewable energy developers total Rs. 8.06 billion, affecting 386 developers, and said Rs. 2 billion had been paid on 19 May 2026 with a further Rs. 1 billion due the following week, with the balance expected to be settled by end-June. He rejected the claim that thermal suppliers were prioritized, saying cash flow decisions were made to maintain fuel availability, grid stability and continuous supply during high demand, high fuel prices and low hydro conditions. He provided comparative unit cost figures for thermal and renewable generation, explained that renewable curtailment occurs only for technical stability reasons, and outlined battery energy storage procurements including 160 MW contracted, a 300 MW tender planned and 100 MW for frequency control ongoing. He also said Cabinet had approved the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, including a renewable energy roadmap covering tariffs, storage, grid integration and consumer safeguards.

      EnvironmentPublic Finance Full speech →
    • The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF

      AI summary Ravi Karunanayake sought clarification on whether, from June, BESS pricing would be determined by the Public Utilities Commission rather than the CEB. He raised concerns that renewable energy curtailments, particularly regular weekend curtailments since February 2025, were undermining bankability. He also questioned whether IMF cost-reflective pricing conditions tied to an expected US$350 million tranche would lead to further electricity tariff increases, citing rupee depreciation and urging protection of consumers.

      Public FinanceCost of LivingInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB

      AI summary The Minister rejected the claim that the Government is constrained by the IMF and said renewable energy curtailment is carried out only for technical system-stability reasons, affecting ground-mounted solar farms rather than rooftop solar. He stated that any tariff impact from exchange rate movements or Middle East tensions would mainly affect consumers using over 180 units, with Rs. 15 billion allocated to the National System Operator to cushion other users. He added that the Government does not expect to request a PUCSL-approved tariff increase before September.

      Public FinanceEnvironment Full speech →