India Advances Renewable Partnership with Sri Lanka: $17M Solar Rooftop Project Powers 5,000 Religious Sites

India has expanded its renewable energy partnership with Sri Lanka by providing rooftop solar systems to multiple religious institutions across the country. In a recent handover ceremony, representatives from the Indian High Commission, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority presented solar panels and equipment to several sites, including a Buddhist temple in Hokandara, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony’s Church, and Mutwal Jumma Mosque, Economy Next reported on Monday.

This initiative forms part of a $17 million Indian project aimed at installing 25 MW of solar rooftop systems across 5,000 religious institutions throughout Sri Lanka. Spanning all nine provinces and 25 districts, the project is projected to generate approximately 37 million units of clean energy annually, with a focus on reducing electricity costs and advancing Sri Lanka’s transition to renewable energy.

According to the Indian High Commission, the installations are set for completion early next year, accompanied by a five-year maintenance period to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability. This effort aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, which prioritizes cooperation on Sri Lankan development goals.

In addition to the solar rooftop initiative, India is supporting several renewable projects across Sri Lanka, including a $10 million grant for solar electrification of around 9,000 Buddhist temples and Pirivenas, hybrid renewable energy projects on three Jaffna islands, and large-scale initiatives such as LNG infrastructure development and the Sampur solar power plant.