National Symposium on Power Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka

The Symposium is expected to foster collaboration between electrical engineering undergraduates and the industry, presenting an excellent opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals. Following research and a sequence of informative sessions, the written papers will undergo assessment by appropriate reviewers. These papers will then be showcased at the concluding ceremony of the Symposium, with the aim of contributing to the decision-making process in the restructuring of the energy sector.

đź“… Event Date: 31st May 2023

Research Papers

“Economical Sustainability of Electrical Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka: A Review based on Historical Trajectories”

G. M. B. S. Jayawardana

Since its inception, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has undergone several structural reforms to ensure the delivery of an efficient, coordinated, and economical system of electricity supply. It has launched various initiatives, also, to fulfill those objectives. However, the financial adversities that CEB currently experiences question the success in achieving the said objectives. This paper attempted to address this gap between the original objectives and the performance strategies to achieve those objectives. The financial indicators as depicted in CEB publications were studied in a cohesive manner, in order to ascertain the possible reasons for such gap.

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“Analysis of the Technical and Economical Aspects of Contingency Power and Spinning Reserves”

M. S. Weeraman, A. R. A. S. Ambadeniya, D. S. Senarath

Contingency power and spinning reserves are critical components of power systems worldwide, providing a vital role in maintaining system reliability and stability. In this paper, we analyze the technical and economic aspects of contingency power and spinning reserves, with a specific focus on Sri Lanka. We examine the current state of contingency power and spinning reserves in Sri Lanka and discuss anticipated structural reforms. Our analysis suggests that there is a significant potential for improving the technical and economic aspects of contingency power and spinning reserves in Sri Lanka. We propose a set of recommendations for policymakers to promote these improvements.

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“Challenges and Opportunities for Introducing End-to-End Electricity Market in Sri Lanka: Lessons from International Case Studies”

W. M. N. Witharama, N. T. Senarathna, S. P. Somathilaka, W. D. A. S. Wijayapala

This paper analyzes the challenges and opportunities for introducing an end-to-end electricity market in Sri Lanka, drawing lessons from international case studies. The Sri Lankan electricity sector faces several issues, including a state-controlled utility that is not financially efficient, hesitant to innovate, and failure to stick with a fixed policy. The paper reviews literature on electricity market liberalization and analyzes case studies from Denmark, Australia, Pakistan, Japan, California and other countries to identify the requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of an end-to-end electricity market.

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“The Impacts of Deregulation of the Electricity Markets: A Comparative Study of International and Local Case Studies,” in National Symposium on Power Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2023,”

L. R. S. De Silva, D. H. N. R. Weerasekara, M. S. V. Dias, D. M. T. Siyambalapitiya

The Energy sector plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and sustainability, and energy reforms are vital for achieving a sustainable economic growth. Within the energy sector, the electricity sector holds significant importance, and reforms in this sector can have considerable impacts on the broader economy of a country. This research paper aims to evaluate the impact of energy reforms on the electricity sector, specifically focusing on policies that promote competition, innovation, and technological advancements. Through a comparative analysis of international and local case studies from the USA, Ethiopia, Nigeria, India, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, this paper assesses the micro and macroeconomic effects of energy reforms on power pricing, power markets, electricity accessibility, innovation, and competitiveness.

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“Optimization of the potential benefits and options to overcome the challenges of restructuring the power sector,” in National Symposium on Power Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2023,”

B. A. D. S. Bamunusinghe

The need for energy and power is anticipated to increase as the economies and populations of several developing nations in Asia and the Pacific continue to expand. Sri Lanka is likewise preparing to restructure the power industry. To support equitable and environmentally sustainable economic development, it is crucial not only to increase energy accessibility and supply electricity to everyone but also to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of their power sectors. The transition to a reformed power sector has the potential to generate significant benefits, including increased efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. However, this transition also presents a range of challenges, including regulatory hurdles, political resistance, and the need for substantial investment.

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“International Geopolitical relations on Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Sector: Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Transition,” in National Symposium on Power Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2023,”

L. R. S. De Silva, P. A. L. Pathirage, H. G. I. Thiranga, I. S. M. Fernando

The energy crisis in Sri Lanka presents significant challenges for the country's transition towards sustainable energy, given the outdated energy grid, lack of infrastructure, and heavy reliance on fossil fuels. The paper examines the short and long-term plans for generation expansion, as well as the new reforms set to be implemented in 2023. It analyzes the geopolitical relations between Sri Lanka and major international players in the energy sector, such as Japan, China, and India, and their respective energy sector reforms, including China's Belt and Road Initiative and India's Bay of Bengal Initiative.

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