EU-funded energy forum sets stage for long-term efficiency in Sri Lankan industry
DailyFT: Sri Lanka’s progress towards building a skilled workforce of industrial energy managers took centre stage on 29 August, as more than 200 industry leaders, government officials and representatives from the international community participated in the Energy Management Systems Forum 2025.
Hosted by the European Union-funded Accelerating Industries Climate Response in Sri Lanka (AICRSL) project, the Forum reflected on three years of Energy Management Systems (EnMS) training and focused on ensuring its long-term integration into industrial practice. Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the training is aimed at helping industries reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions and strengthen the country’s climate goals.
“As Sri Lanka’s economic activities are growing, the country’s emission budget is also simultaneously rising,” Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody said at the Forum. “Meeting that critical goal requires widespread energy efficiency across the industrial sector and this programme is helping build a skilled workforce to drive that change,” he said. “Reducing emissions is vital not only for our climate commitments but also for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and energy security.”
The industry sector and the energy sector are two important mitigation sectors contributing towards the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Since 2023, the project has trained more than 500 industry and government professionals, and national experts including more than 100 women on energy management and energy system optimisation and other relevant aspects. During the one-year course, participants gain technical knowledge and tailored support to apply energy-saving measures within their own workplaces. Aligned with international ISO 50001 standards, the approach has helped participating companies to collectively abate an estimated 12,832 tons in CO2e emission. Individual industries have also benefited, making an estimated average annual energy saving of 29 GWh.
The Forum showcased four industry case studies highlighting how their newly implemented EnMS efforts are driving improvements in operations, reducing emissions and opening up new market opportunities for Sri Lankan industries.
European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives Head of Cooperation Dr. Johann Hesse said, “By building the capacity of Sri Lankan industries to engage in industrial energy efficiency, we contribute to the Global Gateway’s focus on developing strategic partnerships that transcend borders. Through these initiatives, Sri Lanka is being empowered with the knowledge, skills, and technologies necessary to enhance energy efficiency and position itself as a global leader in sustainability and resilience.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s energy industry is a hive of economic activity creating many business/investment opportunities. While these opportunities are on a growth path in line with the country’s target of achieving regional hub status, the lucrative nature of the business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s energy industry are evident by the growth and profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the industry. There are many opportunities in the country’s energy industry since there are also opportunities in sectors related to the primary industry also on the expansion path. Sri Lanka’s focus on meeting the increasing energy demand while giving priority to sustainable energy solutions ensures evolving business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors on the lookout for lucrative ventures. Foreign businesses could also look at further expansion of operations through partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses in Sri Lanka’s energy industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250918/Z_4 |