President chairs 2027 Pre-Budget discussion of the Ministry of Energy

A review of the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 budget allocations for the Ministry of Energy, together with a pre-budget discussion for the 2027 Budget, was held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.During the meeting, extensive discussions were held yesterday (15) on the progress of projects implemented by the Ministry of Energy under the 2026 budget allocations, the projects expected to be completed within this year and the funding requirements for 2027, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.The President reviewed the progress of the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) project currently being implemented on the islands of Delft, Analaitivu and Nainativu and instructed officials to focus on developing and promoting these islands as Green Energy Islands.Attention was also drawn to the resumption of energy projects that had been launched with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) but were suspended midway due to the economic crisis. Discussions were also held on the budgetary allocations required for these projects under the 2027 Budget, the PMD said.The President further reviewed the progress and future plans of several major ongoing and forthcoming projects, including the second 220 kV underground transmission cable system from Kerawalapitiya to the Port of Colombo, the Sampur–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project, the new Habarana–Kappalthurai Electricity Transmission Development Project (CEATP), the installation of a STATCOM system at the Padukka 220 kV Grid Substation (GSS) and the Rooftop Solar Power Integration and Virtual Net Metering Project.The President also reviewed the progress and future funding requirements of 14 major projects currently being implemented in the petroleum sector, it said.These include the construction of six new storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex, the construction of two new storage tanks and the expansion of fuel storage facilities at the Muthurajawela Fuel Storage Complex, the rehabilitation of storage tanks at the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex and the development of filling facilities in Zone 07 of the Kolonnawa Oil Storage Complex.The President further emphasized the importance of completing all these projects within the stipulated timeframe in order to deliver tangible benefits to the public, the statement added.