United National Party (UNP) Working Committee member Dinouk Colombage has questioned the government’s renewable energy policy after sharing a notice from the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) saying that the acceptance of applications for solar power projects has been suspended.

In a social media post, Colombage said members of the club had been told that the government had notified the club of the suspension of new solar power applications. The government had not been reported as confirming the suspension at the time of writing.

The notice, dated 1 November 2026, said the club had earlier obtained approval at a Special General Meeting to refurbish its roof and install a solar power system. The club’s management told members the project had been placed on hold following the reported suspension, pending clarification from the relevant authorities.

Colombage pointed out that Sri Lanka had set a target of generating 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He asked whether the government had abandoned that target.

The development comes after earlier restrictions on new rooftop solar approvals introduced by the National System Operator (NSO). In September the NSO announced measures to regulate new rooftop solar connections, citing grid stability concerns and the rapid growth of solar capacity. The NSO said the measures were temporary and did not amount to a long-term restriction on renewable energy development.

Background

Rooftop solar has expanded quickly in Sri Lanka in recent years as households and businesses sought to reduce electricity bills. Much of this generation feeds into the national grid, which must balance supply and demand at every moment. Operators in many countries have placed limits on new connections when solar output at midday grows large relative to demand, because it can make the grid harder to keep stable.

The 70 per cent renewable target mentioned by Colombage is a long-standing national goal for 2030. Meeting it depends on adding both solar and other renewable capacity while keeping the grid reliable.

The notice shared online is from a private club, and it describes what the club was told rather than setting out an official government decision. Which authority issued the reported instruction, and whether it applies only to certain categories of applicants, was not stated in the material available.

What it means

Households, businesses and institutions that have planned or are planning to install solar systems may face delays if new applications are indeed on hold. Those with pending applications may wish to check the current position directly with their electricity provider and the relevant authorities.

Any official statement on the scope and duration of the reported suspension would clarify whether the pause is a short technical measure or a wider change in policy.