Sri Lanka, July 18 -- A new 5-megawatt solar power plant was officially inaugurated yesterday (18) in Hiripitiya, Kurunegala by Energy Minister, Kumara Jayakody. The project is developed by PAP MPHL Solar Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Pan Asian Power Pvt. Ltd.

Spread across 20 acres, the plant uses a ground-mounted solar panel system and is expected to generate 10 gigawatt hours of clean energy annually. This will contribute significantly to the national grid while saving approximately USD 3.3 million (around 1 billion LKR) in foreign exchange by reducing the need for diesel imports.

Speaking at the event, Minister Jayakody reaffirmed the government's policy of safeguarding state ownership in the energy sector, while actively encouraging p...