Archives

Roshane Perera on the Hayleys Solar mission to foster renewables in Sri Lanka

Roshane Perera, Chief Executive and Director of Hayleys Solar, shares insights into the pivotal shifts in the Sri Lankan energy sector and the enabling role of the company in supporting the transition to renewables. He begins with an overview of the renewable energy landscape, the factors shining its future, and the strategic position of Hayleys Solar in the industry.

Sri Lanka primarily uses hydropower as a renewable energy source, making up about 29% of the energy mix. Coal and diesel contribute around 49%. Non-conventional renewable energy sources like solar and wind power provide approximately 16%. 

The government targets 70% renewable energy by 2030, supported by a Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) roadmap detailing contributions from rooftop solar, utility-scale projects, and necessary grid enhancements. Notably, Sri Lanka is phasing out fossil fuels, with no plans for new diesel or coal plants, though LNG remains an option.

Sri Lanka has surpassed 1,000MW in solar installations, contributing significantly to the national energy mix. With 250MW under Hayleys Solar, the company is the largest solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) among registered solar EPCs in Sri Lanka. As the nation approaches its 2030 renewable goals, Hayleys Solar aims to expand its share, playing a critical role in the energy transition.

What are the biggest opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses adopting renewable energy?

The biggest challenge Sri Lankan businesses face is fluctuating energy security. Unpredictable energy prices make long-term planning difficult, especially since electricity is a significant part of production costs. Additionally, concerns about the availability of grid power and the risk of power cuts add to the uncertainty.

Hayleys Solar addresses these challenges by offering solar power solutions that stabilize energy costs for up to 20 years, allowing businesses to strategize confidently. By integrating solar systems with generators or large-scale lithium-ion batteries, Hayleys Solar ensures uninterrupted power supply even during outages, reducing dependency on the grid and eliminating the need for diesel generators.

Moreover, the anticipated introduction of power wheeling will further benefit large-scale operations by allowing them to offset their energy usage by investing in solar systems elsewhere, potentially achieving net-zero status. Hayleys Solar, with its advanced technology and deep expertise, is well-positioned to help businesses seize emerging opportunities like these and more.

How is Hayleys Solar supporting efforts to transition into renewables like solar energy?

Hayleys Solar has consistently held a 25% market share in the solar energy sector, by educating the market and driving its growth. We have played a pivotal role in informing customers about the long-term benefits of solar energy, including the reliability and 25-year warranties that come with our products, which builds confidence in this significant investment. By partnering with financial institutions and banks, we offer flexible schemes to make solar power affordable and accessible, complemented by our ATL, BTL and TTL promotional campaigns.

We have invested heavily in talent development to support the transition to solar energy, employing over 575 top professionals and engineers, with an additional 1,000 staff and installers. We focus on training these professionals, many of whom are young graduates from local universities and technical colleges, equipping them with the latest knowledge and skills to manage and maintain solar systems. This dedication ensures a well-prepared workforce capable of driving the renewable energy agenda forward.

While some of our highly skilled engineers leave to work abroad due to the great demand for their skills, with the exposure and opportunities Hayleys Solar offers, including opportunities for ongoing professional development and involvement in larger projects, our engineers become highly sought after globally.

What is your approach to innovation and technology integration?

Innovation at Hayleys Solar is about staying ahead by integrating the latest global technologies into the local market. We continuously monitor global advancements and quickly introduce cutting-edge solutions to Sri Lanka, such as one of the largest battery installations in the country, initially with a 2-megawatt-hour capacity. More recently, we discovered that the same footprint could now support up to 5-megawatt-hours, reflecting the rapid technological progress in the industry.

We also address local challenges with innovative solutions. For example, we have signed up with BYD, the best international battery supplier, to ensure that the latest and superior quality systems are provided to the market. This proactive approach—keeping an eye on global trends, educating our team, and swiftly applying new technologies—enables us to expand solar power adoption effectively in Sri Lanka.

How do you envision the future and impact of Hayleys Solar in shaping the industry?

Hayleys Solar’s mission is to become the leading renewable energy company in Sri Lanka. We are making significant strides towards this goal, having recently bid on major utility-scale projects that, once secured, will position us as one of the largest investors in the renewable energy sector.

As the largest EPC company in this field, we aim to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s energy transition. We are closely monitoring the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to explore new opportunities for private sector involvement, and should these opportunities align with our goals, we intend to pursue them vigorously over the next few years.

By 2030 and beyond, we anticipate renewable energy will extend beyond the current 70% target, gradually moving to 100%.  Additionally, we are expanding our footprint internationally, with ongoing projects in the Maldives, further solidifying our vision to shape the renewable energy landscape locally and regionally. 

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, is proud to mark a critical milestone in Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable manufacturing. Through its partnership with Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a global leader in protective handwear, Hayleys Solar has equipped DPL’s four manufacturing facilities in the country with a total solar capacity of 3.66MWp. This initiative will reduce CO2 emissions by 3603 tonnes annually. The project has been recognized for its outstanding achievement, earning the bronze award for project management excellence in the Power and Energy Sector at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2024.

The first installation in July 2023 was a 326kWp grid-tied rooftop solar power system installed across 17,000 square feet of roof space at DPL’s Sports Glove Manufacturing complex, the country’s first LEED Platinum Certified Sports Facility. This installation is part of a series of successful solar projects completed by Hayleys Solar in 2024 at various DPL manufacturing sites.

1. Biyagama – 1 MWp solar power system at DPL’s Premier Gloves Manufacturing Complex.
2. Kottawa – 1.565 MWp capacity Solar installation on the extensive 9500-square-metre rooftop of DPL’s manufacturing facility.
3. Hanwella – 778kWp rooftop solar power system at DPL’s manufacturing complex.

These projects, together, provide 81% of DPL’s total solar energy capacity, bringing them much closer to their sustainability target of utilising 95% renewable energy by 2030.

Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Pushpika Janadheera, Managing Director at DPL, expressed, “By switching to solar power, we are securing a sustainable path for our operations and for the planet because energy is a responsibility rather than just a commodity. The use of solar power lessens our reliance on carbon-intensive grid electricity, which lessens its impact on the environment. Additionally, our rooftop PV solar systems feed surplus energy back into the grid, assisting in the replacement of conventional power sources that emit high levels of carbon and encouraging the use of cleaner energy sources overall, DPL is proud to lead by example in a sustainable manner”

“While DPL sets a strong example within the manufacturing industry by showing a collective commitment to environmental responsibility, we are proud to be a part of their remarkable progress,” stated Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons.

“We are incredibly grateful for DPL’s ongoing trust in Hayleys Solar. As a long-term customer, DPL’s commitment to sustainability is encouraging. Together, we are making a significant contribution to the country’s sustainable energy future.”, said Roshane Perera, Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar.

Hayleys Solar’s expertise in designing and installing industrial-scale solar systems ensures optimal performance for DPL’s facilities. The project strengthens Hayleys Solar’s position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions for Sri Lankan manufacturers.

Hayleys Solar, the leading player in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry and the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, has completed a groundbreaking project for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Lanka. The project establishes Sri Lanka’s largest non-government-funded battery energy storage system (BESS), powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.

The Battery Commissioning Event took place on 24th of July 2024 at the Watch Tower Sri Lanka headquarters. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy Sri Lanka, Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC, Mr. Sascha Balakrishnan, Director of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Lanka, along with esteemed government and regulatory officials, industry experts, consultants, corporate leaders, and representatives from both Hayleys Fentons and Watch Tower Sri Lanka.

“It brings me great joy to witness the collaboration and innovation driving us towards energy independence, all while uplifting and empowering our communities,” remarked Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy Sri Lanka, during the initiative’s official Battery Commissioning Event.

By storing excess solar power during peak production times and releasing it when needed, battery storage ensures a reliable and consistent power supply. This not only enhances the usability of solar power but also mitigates the impact of power outages. Sascha Balakrishnan, representing Watch Tower Sri Lanka, states, “We are grateful for this successful partnership with Hayleys Solar. This innovative system will facilitate our energy independence and significantly contribute to our sustainability efforts. Furthermore, our independence will ensure that more energy will be available for our community’s benefit. This would be in line with the government’s overall sustainability initiative.”

“This journey began in September 2023, when Hayleys Fentons installed hybrid systems at 17 of Watch Tower Sri Lanka’s strategic locations across the country. This installation showcases our expertise in designing and implementing cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, strengthening Hayleys Solar’s position as a leader in sustainable energy in Sri Lanka,” said Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited.

“At a time when energy security became a priority with the scarcity of fuel in Sri Lanka, this project showcases that any institution that wishes to be independent of on-grid power or fossil fuel now has the technology and knowhow within the country to become energy independent,” emphasises Roshane Perera, the Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar.

“I am happy that Hayleys Electronics collaborated with Hayleys Solar to win this project,” stated Clyed Gabriel, General Manager of Hayleys Electronics.

The project recently secured the overall best-managed project of the year title at the National Project Management Excellence Awards, winning the gold award for ‘Best Managed Project in the Social Enterprise Sector.’

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka and Finance PLC (MBSL) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hayleys Fentons, on behalf of its subsidiary, Hayleys Solar, to launch two new solar financing programs: a personal solar loan scheme and a term loan tailored for individuals and businesses.  

“We are happy to join hands with Hayleys Solar to launch these new solar loan schemes,” says Anura Perera, The Chairman of MBSL. “This initiative will further enhance our portfolio and bring us closer to our long-term sustainability goals”

“We believe that access to solar power should be available for everyone,” says Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons. “Our partnership with MBSL will support more individuals and businesses to experience the benefits of solar power.”

This initiative falls under Hayleys Solar’s new initiative ‘Nayak Nowena Nayak’, which allows customers to pay a low monthly bank installment, which is less than their current monthly electricity bill. As a result, the savings after paying the bank installment can be invested in their family’s future while enjoying free electricity for 20 years. Interested individuals can contact MBSL on 0114 711 711 or Hayleys Solar on 0112 102 102.

ஹேலிஸ் சோலார் நிறுவனம் அறிமுகப்படுத்தும்  ‘கடன் இல்லாத ஒரு கடன்’   Hayleys Fentons இன் புதுப்பிக்கத்தக்க எரிசக்தி பிரிவான ஹேலிஸ் சோலார், இலங்கை குடும்பங்களுக்கு ‘கடன் இல்லாத ஒரு கடன்’  மூலம் அவர்களின்  மின்சார தேவைகளைக் கட்டுப்படுத்த அதிகாரம் அளிக்கிறது. சூரிய சக்தியை அனைவருக்கும் மலிவு விலையில் வழங்குவதற்காக, பிரத்தியேக நிதித் திட்டங்களின் வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

தற்போதைய பொருளாதார சூழ்நிலையில், பல குடும்பங்களுக்கு மின் கட்டணம் ஒரு குறிப்பிடத்தக்க செலவாகிவிட்டது. சூரிய சக்திக்கு மாறுவது இந்தச் செலவை எளிதில் அகற்றும் ஒரு வழியாகும். நிதியளித்தல் ஒரு சவாலாகவே இருப்பதோடு, இறுதியில் குடும்பத்தின் மாதாந்த பட்ஜெட்டில் மற்றொரு சுமையை இலகுவாக சேர்த்தும் விடுகிறது. எனவே, “கடன் இல்லாத ஒரு கடன்” திட்டத்தின் ஊடாக, சூரிய முதலீடுகளுக்காக, ஹேலிஸ் சோலாருடன் இணைந்து பிரத்தியேக கட்டணங்களை வழங்கும் இலங்கையில் உள்ள உயர்மட்ட நிதி பங்காளிகளிடமிருந்து நுகர்வோர் நிதி வசதிகளை அணுக முடியும். இந்த ஏற்பாட்டின் மூலம் நுகர்வோர் குறைந்த மாதாந்த வங்கி தவணையை செலுத்த முடியும், இது அவர்களின் தற்போதைய மாதாந்த மின் கட்டணத்தை விட குறைவாகவே உள்ளது. இதன் விளைவாக, வங்கித் தவணையைச் செலுத்திய பிறகு சேமிப்பை அவர்களின் குடும்பத்தின் எதிர்காலத்தில் முதலீடு செய்யும் அதே வேளையில், 20 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு இலவச மின்சாரத்தை அனுபவிக்கும் வாய்ப்பும் கிடைக்கின்றது.

பிரத்தியேக கட்டணங்கள் கொமர்ஷல் வங்கி, இலங்கை வங்கி, மக்கள் வங்கி, சம்பத் வங்கி, செலான் வங்கி, CDB, People’s லீசிங் மற்றும் LOLC பினான்ஸ் ஆகியவற்றிலிருந்து கிடைக்கும். இந்த நம்பகமான நிதித் தலைமைகளுடனான ஹேலிஸ் சோலாரின் கூட்டாண்மையானது, சுமூகமான, தடையற்ற அனுபவத்தை உறுதிசெய்து, சூரிய ஒளிக்கு மாறுவதை எளிதாக்குகிறது.

‘நயக் நோவேன நயக்’ மூலம் முதலீட்டில் சாத்தியமான மாதாந்திர சேமிப்பைக் கணக்கிட, https://loancalculator.hayleyssolar.com ஐப் பார்வையிடவும் அல்லது 0112 102 102 ஐ தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும்.

Hayleys Fentons හි පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්ති අංශය වන Hayleys Solar, සූර්ය බල ශක්තිය සෑම අයෙකුටම දැරිය හැකි මිලකට ලබාදීම සඳහා ‘ණයක් නොවන ණයක්’ සුවිශේෂී මූල්‍ය යෝජනා ක්‍රමය හදුන්වාදෙනු ලබන්නේ එමගින් ශ්‍රී ලාංකීය පවුල් වලට ඔවුන්ගේ බලශක්ති අවශ්‍යතාවයන් තම අභිමතය පරිදි සපුරා ගැනීමට අවශ්‍ය සවිබලය ද ලබා දෙමිනි.

වර්තමානයේ පවතින ආර්ථික රටාව හමුවේ බොහෝ පවුල් සඳහා විදුලි බිල සැලකිය යුතු ඉහළ වියදමක් බවට පත්ව ඇත. සූර්ය බල ශක්තිය මෙම වියදම අවම කර ගැනීමට හැකි පහසුම විසදුම වුවත් එයට පවතින ප්‍රධානතම අභියෝගය වන්නේ අවශ්‍ය මූල්‍යමය පහසුකම් සපයාගැනීමට ඇති අපහසුතාවයයි.

මෙම ගැටලුවට විසඳුමක් ලෙසින් ‘ණයක් නොවන ණයක්’ හරහා තම පාරිභෝගිකයන්ට වෙලදපොලේ අඩුම පොලී අනුපාත යටතේ අවශ්‍ය මූල්‍යමය පහසුකම්ලබාදීමට Hayleys Solar සිය හවූල්කාරී බැංකු හා මූල්‍ය ආයතන හරහා කටයුතු කරනු ලබන්නේ පාරිභෝගිකයන්ගේ පහසුව සහ ඔවුන්ගේ අවශ්‍යතාවයන් නිසියාකාරව අවබෝධ කර ගනිමින් ඔවුන්ගේ අනාගතය වෙනුවෙන් අන් හැම අයෙකුටම වඩා වැඩි ඉතිරියක් ඔවුන්ට ලබා දීමේ අරමුණ ඇතිවයි.

මෙමගින් පාරිභෝගිකයන් හට ඔවුන්ගේ මාසික විදුලි බිලට වඩා අඩු මාසික බැංකු වාරිකයක් ගෙවීමට හැකිවීම මෙහි ඇති සුවිශේෂීත්වය වේ. එහි ප්‍රතිඵලයක් ලෙස මෙම ඉතිරි වන මුදල, තම පවුලේ අනාගතය වෙනුවෙන් ආයෝජනය කිරීමටද හැකියාව ලැබෙන අතර වසර 20ක් පුරාවට වියදමකින් තොර විදුලිය බුක්ති විදීමටද හැකියාව ලැබේ.

කොමර්ෂල් බැංකුව, ලංකා බැංකුව, මහජන බැංකුව, සම්පත් බැංකුව, සෙලාන් බැංකුව, CDB, පීපල්ස් ලීසින් සහ LOLC ෆිනෑන්ස් වැනි ශ්‍රී ලාංකීය ප්‍රමුඛ පෙළේ බැංකු හා මූල්‍ය ආයතන සමගින් Hayleys Solar ආයතනය ඇති කරගෙන ඇති විශ්වාසනීය හවුල්කාරීත්වය නිසා පාරිභෝගිකයන් හට සූර්ය බල ශක්තියට ආයෝජන කිරීම වඩාත් පහසු අත්දැකීමක් බවට සහතික කරනු ඇත.

‘ණයක් නොවන ණයක්’ හරහා ලබාගත හැකි මාසික ඉතුරුම් ගණනය කිරීමට https://loancalculator.hayleyssolar.com වෙත පිවිසෙන්න නැතහොත් වැඩි විස්තර සඳහා 011 2 102 102 අමතන්න.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) under the Ministry of Power and Energy (MOPE), the Tea Smallholders Development Authority (TSHDA) under the Ministry of Plantation Industries (MOPI), the University of Peradeniya and Hayleys Solar inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first-ever semi-transparent Solar PV-powered Agrivoltaics Demonstration Project.

Innovation at its Core

Agrivoltaics are built on the innovative practice of installing solar panels above lands suitable for growing crops. The key innovation in the ADB-developed project, implemented in Hanthana – Kandy, lies in transparent solar panels, allowing sunlight to reach crops while generating clean energy, and maximising land use efficiency. This initiative marks a significant milestone for the country’s clean energy and agricultural industries. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the governing body in charge of pioneering Sri Lanka’s sustainable energy transformation, and the Tea Smallholders Development Authority (TSHDA) under the technical guidance of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya.

Powering the Community

The 85kWp hybrid semi-transparent solar panel project, operational since February 29, 2024, installed two metres above the tea plantation at the Hanthana Ratnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Centre, Kandy, is projected to generate electricity to power 100 families, contributing to the national grid with a 24 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery energy storage system.

The project complements the tea plants with a strategically placed LED lighting system above, creating a controlled environment for optimal growth. These LED lights leverage solar power efficiently by utilising targeted spectrums beneficial to tea plants, consuming less energy for sustainable operation, and emitting minimal heat to maintain ideal growing temperatures – all contributing to increased yields without burdening the local grid. The facility also complements a groundwater pump with a borehole arrangement to facilitate water supply for both the tea plants at the project area and the nearby estate community.

“This project has the opportunity to address both issues of achieving energy security and overcoming agricultural challenges in a land-stressed country like Sri Lanka,” said Professor Janaka Ekanayake, Senior Professor from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Peradeniya.

“Projects such as this are being implemented around the world, and this is the first time Sri Lanka has undertaken an initiative,” Professor Ekanayake added. “The success of this pilot paves the way for a more sustainable future for our nation’s agriculture and energy sectors.”

Professor Ekanayake also highlighted the potential for expanding this technology to other crops. “We are currently conducting experiments to see if this system can be applied to vanilla, tomato, and bell pepper cultivations as well,” he said.

The project, based on an 800-square-metre tea estate, is expected to generate well above 100 MWh of electricity annually. The event was attended by SLSEA representatives, including Mr. Ranjith Sepala, Chairman of SLSEA, and Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary to MOPE. Mr. Sepala expressed his thoughts on the project, stating, “This initiative has the potential to revolutionise the way we use our land resources for both food and energy production, and it is a perfect example of how innovation can solve multiple societal challenges.” Jayawardena described the project as a win-win for Sri Lanka, generating clean electricity while increasing agricultural productivity. “MOPE and SLSEA remain committed to working with all stakeholders to spread this success story across the country,” he added.

Market Leader Driving Solar Innovation

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, was selected for the supply and installation through a competitive bid to build the Agrivoltaics Demonstration Project.

“We’re honoured to be part of this trailblazing initiative,” said Mr. Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited. “Our industry-leading expertise and over 200 MWp of rooftop solar installations were instrumental in securing this project. Hayleys Solar is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address Sri Lanka’s energy needs while promoting a sustainable future. Our projects are estimated to save over 202 million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.”

A Model for the Future

Expressing his views, State Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon. Lohan Ratwatte stated, “I am elated to witness the inauguration of Sri Lanka’s first Agrivoltaics Demonstration Project in Hanthana. This initiative, spearheaded by the Asian Development Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Ministry of Plantation Industries, marks a significant stride towards sustainable development in our agricultural sector. The increasing demand for food and energy in Sri Lanka, coupled with the challenges of fossil fuel-based electricity, highlights the importance of renewable energy. Photovoltaic systems offer a promising solution, given the country’s abundant solar resources. Agrivoltaic systems have the potential to maximise land use for both energy generation and food production.”

ADB: A Committed Partner

Prof. Priyantha Wijayatunga, Senior Director, Energy, ADB, expressed ADB’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable development journey through innovative solutions. “We are proud to have conceptualised, designed, and financed this groundbreaking demonstration project in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Tea Smallholders Development Authority, and the Ceylon Electricity Board,” he stated. “Agrivoltaics offer a unique opportunity to address energy security in a land-constrained country like Sri Lanka and its agricultural challenges. We are confident that this project will serve as a model for wider applications of achieving sustainable food security and energy access not only in Sri Lanka but also in the region.”

Collaboration is Key.

Mr. Roshane Perera, Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar, acknowledged ADB’s crucial role in the project’s success. “ADB’s leadership, expertise, and commitment were instrumental in bringing this vision to reality,” he said. “We are honoured to have collaborated with them and the University of Peradeniya on this initiative that paves the way for a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s agriculture and energy sectors.”

The successful completion of this collaborative project offers a beacon of hope for Sri Lanka’s future. Not only does it demonstrate the potential for clean energy production through solar panels, but it also paves the way for a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Mr. Dhammika Mahipala, Chairman, TSHDA, stated “Our collaboration with ADB, SLSEA, and CEB serves a shared purpose: meeting energy demands and empowering local tea estate workers with an additional revenue stream. The integration of solar panels and agriculture exemplifies our commitment to modernising the agriculture sector in the country.”

The official inauguration, jointly conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sri Lanka, marked the completion of the project. Its successful transfer to the government signifies a continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s long-term sustainability goals, creating a brighter future for its communities. For more information, please visit www.hayleyssolar.com

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, is empowering Sri Lankan families to take control of their energy needs with “Nayak Nowena Nayak” – exclusive financial schemes designed to make solar power affordable for everyone.

Given the current economic conditions, electricity bills have become a significant expense for many families. While switching to solar power could easily eliminate this expense, financing remains a challenge, ultimately adding another burden to the family’s monthly budget. Therefore, through the “Nayak Nowena Nayak”, consumers can access financial facilities from top financial partners in Sri Lanka, who provide exclusive rates in collaboration with Hayleys Solar for solar investments. This arrangement allows consumers to pay a low monthly bank instalment, which is less than their current monthly electricity bill. As a result, the savings after paying the bank instalment can be invested in their family’s future whilst enjoying free electricity for 20 years.

Exclusive rates are available from Commercial Bank, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank, CDB, People’s Leasing, and LOLC Finance. Hayleys Solar’s partnership with these trusted financial leaders ensures a smooth, seamless experience, easing this switch to solar.

To calculate the potential monthly savings on investing through ‘Nayak Nowena Nayak’, visit https://loancalculator.hayleyssolar.com or contact 0112 102 102

During the course of their visit to Sri Lanka, a high-level Thai delegation led by H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with H.E. Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka, visited Hayleys Fabric PLC in conjunction with Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, to explore renewable energy solutions incorporated into the operations of the factory.

The delegation consisted of officials from various Thai agencies and private sector representatives, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Royal Thai Embassy of Sri Lanka, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Public Company Limited, and Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited. Guided by the directives of the Prime Minister of Thailand, the delegation’s visit aimed to explore the potential for future cooperation in renewable energy, with a particular focus on electricity generation in Sri Lanka.

H.E. Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka, said the visit was successful and has only strengthened their belief in the importance of international cooperation for sustainable energy solutions, and it was a great opportunity for the delegation to learn about Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector.

During the visit, Hayleys Fabric showcased their successful adoption of solar power, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices. This included a presentation detailing their 4.6 MW contribution to the national grid, resulting in a significant 15% reduction in their carbon footprint. The delegation was also briefed on the company’s advanced solar installations, notably the expansive rooftop system and the innovative pilot floating solar plant with a capacity of 35.19 kWp, comprising of 63 panels installed by Hayleys Solar.

The delegation led by H.E. Mrs. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with H.E. Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka, included members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand: Mrs. Vipavee Rangsimaporn, Director of the South Asian and Central Asian Division; Mr. Sakkorn Janyaphadungpong, Counsellor; Ms. Ploy Sukthavorn, First Secretary; and Mr. Yahya Wongkanya, First Secretary.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) was represented by Mr. Supachai Koonsad, Director to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kraisorn Limchaikit, and Mr. Sethaphan Kavenapho, Assistant Vice President, Business Development, representing the Electricity Generating Authority International (EGATi). PTT Public Company Limited was represented by Mr. Chanon Thaicharoen and Mr. Prakit Roatphunyakit. Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC) was represented by Mr. Suabtragool Khowinij, Mr. Pahol Chaloeykitti, along with Mr. Padmadewa Samaranayake from the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). In addition, the Royal Thai Embassy attendees, Mr. Arthit Prasartkul, Deputy Head of Mission; Ms. Prangthip Kongridhisuksakorn, Counsellor; Mrs. Patalee Warnakulasooriya; and Mrs. Rasaiya Sanjeewani, were present.

The Hayleys Fabric team was led by Mr. Rohan Goonetilleke, Managing Director; Mr. Prasanna Pathirana, Executive Director; and Mr. Mahesh Perera, Deputy General Manager-Engineering. The Hayleys Solar team was represented by Mr. Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons; Mrs. Roshani Dharmaratne, Director of Business Development; and Mr. Nisala Amarasekara, Deputy General Manager of Corporate Projects for Hayleys Solar.

“I am pleased to witness Hayleys’ contribution in promoting renewable energy integration,” commented Mr. Padmadewa Samaranayake (SLSEA), who acknowledged the crucial role of private-public partnerships like these in bridging the gap between sustainable energy initiatives and practical implementation, ensuring a more environmentally conscious future for all stakeholders involved.

“We are privileged to be the only corporate entity chosen for this esteemed visit by the delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand,” said Rohan Goonetilleke, Managing Director for Hayleys Fabric PLC. “At Hayleys Fabric, environmental stewardship and carbon footprint reduction are paramount. Our strategic partnership with Hayleys Solar solidifies our position as a sustainability pioneer in the textile sector.”

“We are extremely delighted to be a part of the country’s renewable energy development progress, exploring floating solar,” mentioned Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons.

10% discount to be availed when Hayleys Solar power systems are financed via Seylan Solar Loans

Seylan Bank has announced a partnership with Hayleys Solar, the country’s leading Solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company. This collaboration aims to revolutionise access to sustainable energy solutions by offering customers an exclusive 10% discount on Hayleys Solar power systems when financed through Seylan Bank’s Solar Loan.

With the ever-increasing costs of electricity posing a challenge to households and businesses alike, this partnership highlights a commitment to providing accessible and affordable renewable energy solutions. Through the synergies between Seylan Bank’s financial expertise and Hayleys Solar’s industry-leading expertise in renewable energy, customers can now embark on their journey towards energy independence with greater ease and affordability.

This solar loan facility is tailored for permanent employees with a starting net salary of Rs. 200,000 and above. These interest rates are substantially lower than conventional personal loans. The Solar Loan features:

• a flexible repayment period from 1 to 7 years
• a starting interest rate of 11.5% for tenures of 1 to 3 years
• and 12% for tenures starting from 4 to 5 years.

The solar power system itself serves as security against the loan, eliminating the need for additional collateral. Additionally, customers can expect quick loan approval within 2 days, ensuring a seamless process from application to installation. Moreover, customers utilising the Solar Loan Facility are eligible for income tax relief, further enhancing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar power.

Commenting on the collaboration, Eugene Seneviratne, Deputy General Manager- Retail Banking at Seylan Bank said. “Through our collaboration with Hayleys Solar, we have made sustainable home energy generation more accessible. While the benefits of solar power are clear for both the environment and savings on electricity bills, the high setup costs have been a barrier for many homeowners. This Solar Loan facility will empower eco-conscious homeowners to embrace solar power and embark on a journey of financial independence.

Roshane Perera, the Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar, expressed, “We are optimistic about this partnership with Seylan Bank to promote renewable energy adoption in Sri Lanka. At Hayleys Solar, we are committed to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. This partnership not only enhances accessibility to our high-quality solar power systems but also reinforces our shared vision of a greener and more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.”

Hayleys Solar has been a driving force in the nation’s renewable energy journey, having supplied over 200 MWp of rooftop solar power. Specialising in renewable energy solutions and energy storage systems, Hayleys Solar caters to diverse residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Their comprehensive services encompass end-to-end solar power services, including installation, after-sales services, and maintenance. For more information on the Solar Loan Facility please visit www.seylan.lk or dial 011 200 88 88.