India and Sri Lanka Review Bilateral Power Sector Cooperation
India and Sri Lanka conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral cooperation in the power sector during a meeting held in New Delhi on August 7, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, while the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Shri Anura Karunathilake, who serves as Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy of Sri Lanka.
The ministers reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral initiatives, with particular focus on two major projects: the proposed India–Sri Lanka HVDC interconnection and the Sampur Solar Power Project. Discussions centered on opportunities to deepen cooperation across multiple areas including cross-border electricity trade, renewable energy development, transmission infrastructure enhancement, and capacity building programs. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing energy security and supporting the clean energy transition throughout the region.
The Indian side shared its expertise in transmission system development, specifically highlighting the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) framework implemented as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Both sides reviewed progress under existing bilateral mechanisms and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in the power sector for sustainable development and regional energy security.
Shri Manohar Lal reiterated India's commitment to the long-standing India-Sri Lanka energy partnership, while Hon. Anura Karunathilake appreciated India's continued support and conveyed Sri Lanka's commitment to further expand bilateral energy cooperation. The meeting was attended by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, and senior officials from the Government of India, along with H.E. Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, and other senior Sri Lankan officials.