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Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, has secured a Silver Award at the Dragons of Sri Lanka 2025, part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia. The accolade was presented under the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for its flagship “Nayak Nowana Nayak” initiative.

The award-winning campaign showcased how Sri Lankan families and businesses can achieve zero electricity bills through solar adoption, while enjoying significant financial savings even with monthly financing premiums. To enhance accessibility, Hayleys Solar partnered with more than 15 of Sri Lanka’s leading banks and financial institutions, simplifying financing and accelerating solar adoption.

Deployed through a 360-degree marketing strategy, the campaign seamlessly integrated digital, traditional, and experiential channels to drive maximum visibility and impact. Phase two introduced testimonials from financial partners, offering authentic third-party validation of the financing model’s effectiveness.

A market-first innovation – the Hayleys Solar Savings Calculator – provided users with a transparent view of potential savings, increasing digital engagement and building long-term trust.

“Winning the Silver Award underscores the impact of Hayleys Solar’s integrated marketing strategy,” said Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, “while simultaneously enhancing community well-being and enabling households and businesses across Sri Lanka to adopt sustainable energy solutions with confidence.”

Roshane Perera, Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Solar, remarked: “For us, success means making solar power accessible to all. The campaign and the marketing approach have amplified that impact, easing the financial burden on households and businesses while advancing Sri Lanka’s clean energy future.”

Nanduni Dahanayaka, Deputy General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, added: “Through the ‘Nayak Nowana Nayak’ campaign, we positioned solar power as both practical and aspirational, showcasing how strategic brand communication can inspire trust, drive adoption, and accelerate Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition. We extend our sincere gratitude to our agency partners and collaborators, whose creativity and dedication were instrumental in bringing this campaign to life.”

ව්‍යාපාර ලෝකයේ නමක් දිනා ගැනීම එතරම් පහසු කරුණක් නොවේ. නමුත් දශක ගණනාවක් පුරා එක ලෙසින් තම නාමය පාරිභෝගික ජනතාවගේ විශ්වාසය දිනා ගැනීමෙන් ව්‍යාපාර ලෝකය තුළ පෙරමුණේ තබා ගැනීමට හේලීස් සමූහ ව්‍යාපාරයට හැකි වී තිබේ. එලෙසින් ඇතිකර ගත් ඔවුන්ගේ සන්නාමයෙන් යුතු බොහෝ සේවා අතරේ සූර්ය පැනල සඳහා ද ඇති විශේෂත්වය ගැන දැන ගැනීම උදෙසා අපි හේලීස් සමූහ ව්‍යාපාරයේ ව්‍යාපෘති, බලශක්ති සහ මොබිලිටි (Projects, Energy and Mobility) අංශය නියෝජනය කරන හේලීස් ෆෙන්ටන්ස් ලිමිටඩ් හි කළමනාකාර අධ්‍යක්ෂක හසිත් ප්‍රේමතිලක මහතා හා එහි සූර්ය බලශක්ති අංශය වන හේලීස් සෝලා හි අධ්‍යක්ෂක සහ ප්‍රධාන විධායක නිලධාරී රොෂේන් පෙරේරා මහතා හමුවුණෙමු.

හේලීස් සමාගම අනුබද්ධිත අංශ 16ක් පවතී. ඉන් 50%ක පමණ නිෂ්පාදන අපනයන ආර්ථිකය සඳහා සැකසෙන අතර අනෙක් නිෂ්පාදන දේශීය වෙළෙඳපොළ සඳහා නිපදවයි. මේ නිසා හේලීස් සන්නාමය බොහෝ නිෂ්පාදන ක්ෂේත්‍රයන්හි රැඳී පවතිනවා. නමුත් හේලීස් ෆෙන්ටන්ස් තරමක් වෙනස් ක්‍රමයකට බිහි වන්නක්. ෆෙන්ටන්ස් වසර 106ක් පමණ අතීතයක් හිමි ලංකාවේ පරණම විදුලි ඉංජිනේරු ආයතනයක්. ෆෙන්ටන්ස් 2016 දී හේලීස් සමාගම විසින් අත්පත් කරගැනීමෙන් පසුව තමයි හේලීස් ෆෙන්ටන්ස් කියන නම හැදෙන්නේ. ෆෙන්ටන්ස් එකේ ෆෙන්ටන්ස් සෝලා නමින් වූ අංශයක් තිබුණා. එය පසුව හේලීස් සෝලා වලට පරිවර්තනය කිරීමෙන් මේ වන විට හේලීස් සෝලා සන්නාමය ඉදිරියට ගෙන යාමට අප සමත් වී තිබෙනවා. අදවන විට අපගේ සන්නාමය අති ප්‍රබල තත්ත්වයක තිබෙනවා. ඒ වගේම මේ වන විට අපි LMD හි 2025 වසරේ වඩාත් ජනාදරය දිනාගත් සන්නාමය (Most Loved Brand) ලෙසත්, Brand Finance හි වටිනාම සන්නාමයන් (Most Valuable brand) 100 අතරට තේරී පත් වූ එකම පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්ති සන්නාමය ලෙසත්, CEO Magazine Sri Lanka හි ඔවුන්ගේ හොඳම සන්නාම 25 අතරට ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ අංක 01 සූර්ය බලශක්ති විසඳුම් සපයන්නා ලෙස අපගේ ස්ථානය තහවුරු කරගැනීමටත් හැකි වීම අපට ආඩම්බරයක්.

දැනට හේලීස් සෝලා කියන සන්නාමයට වෙළෙඳපොළේ 25%ක පමණ වෙළඳපොළ හිමිකාරීත්වයක් තිබෙනවා. 2022 සිටම අපි මේ හිමිකාරීත්වය දිගටම පවත්වා ගැනීමට සමත් වුණේ හේලීස් සෝලා ගැන පාරිභෝගිකයන්ගේ ඇති විශ්වාසය හා කැමැත්ත නිසයි. ඒ වගේම ලංකාවේ පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්ති ක්ෂේත්‍රයෙහි පසුගිය දා තිබුණු ටෙන්ඩර වලින් අපිට මෙගාවොට් 149ක භූමිය මත ඉදි කරන සෝලා සහ මෙගා වොට් 50ක සුළං බලය ලෙස අපිට මෙගාවොට් 199ක් ආයෝජනය කිරීමට ලැබී තිබෙනවා. ඊට අමතරව පෞද්ගලික අංශයේ මෙගාවොට් 15ක් අපිට ආයෝජනය කිරීමට හැකි වී තිබෙනවා. විදුලිබල නිෂ්පාදනයේ දී සාමාන්‍යයෙන් පාරිභෝගිකයන් කොටස් තුනකට වෙන් කරනවා. ඉන් එකක් ගෘහස්ථ ලෙසත්, අනික් කොටස වාණිජ සහ කාර්මික ලෙසත් අනෙක් කොටස විශාල ව්‍යාපෘති ලෙසත් ඛාණ්ඩ වෙනවා. විශාල ව්‍යාපෘතීන් ලෙස ගැනීමේ දී ලංකාවේ නම් විදුලිබල මණ්ඩලය එහි මූලිකත්වය ගෙන කටයුතු කරනවා.

එමෙන්ම අපගේ අලෙවියෙන් පසු සේවාව ගැන මෙහිදී කිව යුතුමයි. ලංකාව පුරාම විහිදුණු සේවා ජාලයක් අපට පවතිනවා. අපි ලංකාව පුරාම සූර්ය පැනල ස්ථාපනය කරන නිසා රට පුරාම විදුලි කාර්මික සහ තාක්ෂණික සේවකයන් අපි යොදවා තිබෙනවා. ඔවුන් මෙහෙයවීම කොළඹ සිට සිදු කළත් උතුරේ සිට දකුණ දක්වාම රට පුරා අපේ සේවා මධ්‍යස්ථානයන් ව්‍යාප්ත වී තිබෙනවා. ඊට අමතරව ඉදිරියට ස්ථාන 38ක කලින් පැවසූ මෙගාවොට් 199 ස්ථාපනය කිරීමට තිබෙන නිසාත් එයට අදාළ සේවක මඩුල්ලක් අවශ්‍ය වෙනවා. මේ අය එම ස්ථානයේ සිදු කරන සේවාවට අමතරව ඒ ආශ්‍රිත ගෘහස්ථ හා කර්මාන්තශාලා වල සූර්ය පැනල නඩත්තු කටයුතු සිදු කළ යුතු වෙනවා. මෙහිදී හේලීස් සෝලා නොවන වෙනත් සූර්ය පැනල වල නඩත්තු කටයුතු පවා අපි ලවා නඩත්තු කරගැනීමේ අවස්ථාව පාරිභෝගිකයන්ට අපි ලබා දී තිබෙනවා.

සෝලා පද්ධති සවිකර ඇති බිම්වල මීමැස්සන් වැඩියෙන් පැමිණෙන ශාක සිටුවීමේ ව්‍යාපෘතියක් ද මේ වන විට ආරම්භකර තිබෙන්නේ සමාජ සත්කාර්යයක් ලෙසටයි. මෙයින් ඒ අවට ගම්මානවල ජනතාවට මීමැසි පාලනය සිදුකර අමතර ආදායමක් ලබා ගැනීමේ හැකියාවත් පවතිනවා.

අපිට අවශ්‍ය වෙන්නේ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ පුනර්ජනනීය බලශක්තිය ව්‍යාප්ත කිරීමටයි. අපිට නොමිලේ ලැබෙන හිරු එළියෙන් හා සුළං බලයෙන් විදුලිය නිපදවිය හැකි නිසා පොසිල ඉන්ධන දහනයෙන් සිදුවන පරිසර දූෂණය අවම වෙනවා. ඒ වගේම පොසිල ඉන්ධන ගෙන ඒමට රජයට යන අධික වියදම ඉතිරිකර ගැනීමටද හැකියාව ලැබෙනවා. සෝලා සහ සුළං බලයට ආයෝජනය වන්නේ එක වරක් පමණයි. මේ සඳහා සිදු කළ යුතු ආයෝජන‍යෙහි වියදම අඩුයි. එකවරක් ආයෝජනය කිරීමෙන් වසර 25ක පමණ කාලයක් විදුලිය නිපදවිය හැකි නිසා ඩොලර් ඉතිරි වෙනවා. අපේ රට බලශක්තියෙන් ස්වයංපෝෂිත වීමෙන් කුමනාකාර ගැටලු පැමිණියත් නැවතත් බලශක්ති අර්බුදයක් ඇති නොවන බව කියන්න පුළුවන්.

දැන් ඉදිරියට විදුලියෙන් ක්‍රියා කරන රථ වාහන පැමිණීමේ ප්‍රවණතාව වැඩි වෙන නිසා විදුලි ඉල්ලුම ද වැඩි වෙනවා. අපේ රටට ගෙන්වන පොසිල බලශක්තියෙන් 33%ක ප්‍රමාණයක් වැය වන්නේ ප්‍රවාහන කටයුතු වෙනුවෙන්. ඉදිරියේ දී විදුලියෙන් මේ ප්‍රමාණයත් ඉතිරිකර ගැනීමට හැකියාව ලැබෙනවා නම් එය රටට විශාල වාසියක්.

සූර්ය බලශක්තියේ ඊළඟ පියවර වන්නේ බැටරි භාවිතයයි. සූර්ය බලය තිබෙන්නේ දහවල් කාලයට විතරක් නිසා මේ බැටරි වලින් දවල්ට නිපදවන සූර්ය බලශක්තිය කෝෂවල ගබඩා කිරීමෙන් රාත්‍රී කාලයේ දී එම විදුලිය මුදා හැරීම සිදු කරනවා. ලංකා විදුලිබල මණ්ඩලය විසින් මේ බැටරි ටෙන්ඩර් කිරීම සිදු කරනවා. මෙය ලබන වසරේ මැද භාගයේ දී ආරම්භ කළ හැකි අතර පෞද්ගලික අංශය මගින් දැනටත් මේ කටයුත්ත සිදු කරගෙන යනවා. ගෘහස්තව හයිබ්‍රිඩ් නැතිනම් දෙමුහුම් බැටරියක් මඟින් සූර්ය බලය ගබඩා කිරීමෙන් රාත්‍රියටත් එම බැටරියේ ඇති විදුලිය ලබා ගැනීමේ හැකියාව පවතිනවා.

ඊට අමතරව ලංකාවේ දැනට පවතින ලොකුම බැටරිය සවි කොට ඇත්තේත් හේලීස් සෝලා අපි විසින්. එය මෙගාවොට් පැය 2ක, ඒකක 2000ක් පමණ ගබඩා කළ හැකි විශාල බැටරියක්. මෙය වත්තල පෞද්ගලික ආයතනයක සවිකර තිබෙනවා. ඔවුන්ට දින 4ක කාලයක් විදුලිය විසන්ධි වුවත් මෙම බැටරියෙන් ආයතනයේ සියලු කටයුතු සිදු කර ගැනීමට හැකියාව තිබෙනවා.

සමහර ආයතන සූර්ය පැනල මඟින් විදුලිය ලබා ගැනීමට කැමැති වුවත් ඔවුන්ට එයට වඩා තම ආයතනයට යන්ත්‍ර සූත්‍ර ගැනීමේ වුවමනාවක් පවතිනවා නම් සූර්ය පැනල හා කෝෂ සඳහා අපේ ආයතනය ආයෝජනය කිරීමට සූදානම්. ඉන් ලැබෙන ප්‍රතිලාභය එම ආයතනයත් සමඟින් බෙදා ගැනීමෙන් ඉදිරියට යාමට හැකියාව තිබෙනවා. ඕෂන් ලංකා ආයතනය, සවුත් ඒෂියා ටෙක්ස්ටයිල් ආයතනය වැනි ආයතන මේ සඳහා උදාහරණ සපයනවා.

අපි බැංකු සහ මූල්‍ය ආයතන 30ක පමණ ප්‍රමාණයක් සමඟ සූර්ය පැනල සඳහා ණය පහසුකම් ලබා දීම වෙනුවෙන් ගිවිසුම්ගත වී තිබෙනවා.

නවතම ව්‍යාපෘතියක් ලෙස හේලීස් මොබිලිටි නමින් අනු ශාඛාවක් පවත්වාගෙන යනවා. එහි දැනට චෙරි මව්  ශාඛාවෙන් O&J නැතිනම් ලෝකයම දන්නා නාමයන් වන OMODA & JAECOO වගේම SRM  විදුලි හා දෙමුහුම් වාහන ගෙන්වීමට කටයුතු කරනවා. ඊට අමතරව ලෝකයේ දැවැන්තම විදුලි ආරෝපණ සේවා සපයන සමාගමක් වන StarCharge සමගින් අත්වැල් බැඳ ගනිමින් Charging Stations ලංකාවට හඳුන්වා දීමට කටයුතු කරගෙන යනවා.

මීට අමතරව හේලීස් සෝලා ආයතනය විසින් අපගේ අනාගත පරපුර මේ දේවල් ගැන දැනුවත් කිරීමේ හා සොබාදහම සමඟ ඒකාත්මික කිරීමේ අදහසින් චිත්‍ර තරඟ, ඒ වගේම ඉරමල සහ මී මැස්සා යන කතා පොත නොමිලේ දරුවන්ට බෙදා හැරීමට කටයුතු කරනවා. එසේම තවත් බොහෝ දේ ජාත්‍යන්තර පොත් ප්‍රදර්ශනයට සමගාමීව එම පරිශ්‍රයේදී සිදු කෙරෙනවා. Sun studio ලෙසින් ජාත්‍යන්තර පොත් ප්‍රදර්ශනයේ ඇති හේලීස් සෝලා කුටිය නම් කර තිබෙනවා.ඊට අමතරව සූර්ය සත්කාර සමාජ සත්කාර ව්‍යාපෘතිය යටතේ සත්කාර මධ්‍යස්ථාන 200ක් සඳහා නොමිලේ සූර්ය බලශක්ති පද්ධති 200ක් ලබා දීමට කටයුතු කරගෙන යනවා.

Exclusive discounts and free portable solar units now available

Hayleys Solar, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 solar solutions provider, has partnered with Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited, the world’s No. 01 insurance brand as ranked by Interbrand Best Global Brands, accelerating the accessibility to solar energy, to offer exclusive solar benefits to Allianz General policyholders under the newly launched Allianz Elevate Loyalty Rewards program.

This partnership, sealed by a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), offers discounts on solar power systems purchased by Allianz policyholders, along with a free WHC portable solar generator, marking a compelling incentive for households and businesses to transition to renewable energy.

Allianz policyholders purchasing systems ranging from 5kW to 15kW will receive a complimentary 300W WHC Off-grid All-in-One System. Those opting for systems ranging from 20kW to 40kW will be eligible for a 500W unit.

These offers are exclusively applicable to retail policyholders making cash purchases and require presentation of a valid Allianz physical insurance card or verification notification generated via www.allianz.lk  

Speaking on the partnership, Ranga Dias, Chief Distribution Officer of Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited, added: “At Allianz, we believe our responsibility to customers goes beyond simply offering an insurance policy. We are committed to delivering lasting value and meaningful benefits that support their broader life goals. This partnership with Hayleys Solar reflects that vision, empowering our policyholders to make a sustainable investment in their future, while enjoying financial savings today. Through this loyalty program, we are not just protecting what matters, we are helping our customers build a better tomorrow.”

Roshane Perera, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Solar, further added: “By joining hands with Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited, we’re accelerating the shift to clean energy and ensuring that sustainability is within reach for more Sri Lankans.”

With Sri Lanka facing urgent energy and climate challenges, partnerships like this offer a blueprint for practical solutions to redefine how nations meet their energy needs.

Pan Asia Bank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, to provide customers with tailored financing options for solar solutions.

Under the MoU, Pan Asia Bank will offer customers special loan packages to purchase solar and battery solutions from Hayleys Solar. With the Bank’s flexible financing and Hayleys Solar’s nationwide installation capabilities, customers can shift to solar with ease, significantly reduce their monthly electricity bills or bring them close to zero, freeing up more funds to spend on other priorities while enjoying an affordable and hassle-free process.

Pan Asia Bank Director/CEO Naleen Edirisinghe said; “This collaboration with Hayleys Solar reflects our commitment to delivering practical, customer-focused financial solutions. By making solar investments more accessible, we are not only helping customers reduce their electricity costs but also contributing towards the nation’s broader sustainability targets.”

The partnership is built for customers who want predictable monthly outlays without tying up working capital. From clear, upfront pricing to repayment plans aligned with expected bill reductions, the proposition is straightforward: easier budgeting, and a smoother path to ownership.

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, predominantly focuses on Solar PV installations for the residential, commercial, and industrial market segments, as well as utility-scale projects, enabling greater utilisation of sustainable energy resources in the country.

Pan Asia Bank, the Truly Sri Lankan Bank, is one of the leading financial institutions in Sri Lanka, known for delivering world-class products and services. As a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s banking industry, Pan Asia Bank has many firsts, to its credit across technology platforms, unique products and superlative service. The Bank has developed a unique reputation and culture of being ambitious, results-oriented, respectful and caring, and supportive of traditional values – a true testament of the brand’s positioning as a Truly Sri Lankan Bank.

Roshane Perera discusses policy, progress and the future of solar adoption

Q: How would you describe the current state of Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector?

A: Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector has seen notable expansion in recent years with installed capacity currently exceeding 1,700 megawatt peak. This includes rooftop and ground mounted solar systems, and reflects a commendable shift towards decentralised renewable energy.

However, the sector now faces a period of volatility.

While the initial momentum was driven by favourable policies and growing awareness, the current environment is marked by uncertainty due to grid constraints and a reduction in export tariffs.

This has caused hesitation among investors and consumers, threatening the confidence needed to sustain the government’s renewable energy road map.

Q: What are the challenges facing the adoption and expansion of solar energy solutions today?

A: The most prominent challenge is the inadequacy of the national grid infrastructure. The system is not equipped to handle the intermittency of solar energy, especially during peak generation periods such as public holidays.

This results in instability across the entire grid due to an imbalance between energy generation and consumption. In some instances, solar energy that could be supplied to the grid is being deliberately curtailed.

Adding to the complexity is ongoing policy volatility. Changes in government regulations and revisions of feed-in tariffs have created a climate of uncertainty.

Together, these issues hinder the scaling up of solar deployment and integration of renewables into the national energy mix.

Q: How are renewable energy policies shaping investment and growth opportunities in the sector?

A: Renewable energy policies have played a pivotal role in creating market opportunities through mechanisms such as feed-in schemes, favourable tariffs and government tenders that encourage private sector participation in renewable energy projects.

Therefore, it’s crucial that the government takes decisive action to drive mass adoption. Unfortunately, the recent tariff revision – which reduced the solar export rate to Rs. 14 a unit – has deterred potential investors.

That said, the cabinet has approved a new tariff of Rs. 45.80 a unit for battery stored solar power exported to the grid at night – a step in the right direction, as it incentivises energy storage and positions solar as a viable 24/7 energy source.

However, the real issue lies in execution. Delays in approvals, procedural ambiguity and inconsistent implementation continue to stall the momentum sparked by policy announcements. Without effective execution, investor confidence erodes and the sector remains stuck in a holding pattern.

Q: How important is grid infrastructure in supporting the integration of renewable energy – and what improvements are needed?

A: Grid infrastructure is the backbone of any successful renewable energy transition. In Sri Lanka, it’s the area requiring most intervention. The existing infrastructure was designed for centralised power generation; it does not accommodate the decentralised and intermittent nature of solar energy.

Immediate upgrades are required in transmission and distribution systems to support the increased influx of renewables. While full-scale grid modernisation is a long-term endeavour, battery energy storage offers an interim solution. It can mitigate fluctuations, stabilise supply and defer expensive grid upgrades.

A hybrid approach involving short-term storage and long-term grid enhancements will be vital in facilitating a reliable renewable energy future.

Equally important is the proposed Sri Lanka-India high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection, which could unlock regional energy integration and improve grid flexibility.

Q: What role can rooftop solar play in rural electrification and decentralised energy access?

A: Solar energy holds immense potential to reshape rural energy access. From off-grid home systems to solar powered pumps and water purification units, modern solar technologies are delivering reliable and affordable electricity to communities that are traditionally excluded from the national grid.

A compelling example is the semi-transparent solar photovoltaic powered agrivoltaics demonstration project commissioned in 2024 in Kandy. The 85 kilowatt peak hybrid solar system, mounted above an active tea plantation, powers over 100 households through a battery energy storage solution while also contributing clean energy to the national grid.

Beyond electrification, the system supports a solar powered groundwater pump that services the crop and neighbouring estate community, along with LED lighting optimised for tea growth. This model delivers food, water and energy security, and is a blueprint for sustainable rural transformation through solar.

Q: What emerging technologies will define the future of solar energy?

A: The future of solar energy lies in a blend of advanced technologies and adaptable applications including battery energy storage systems, which will address intermittency, offer grid stabilisation and demand side flexibility.

Additionally, floating solar solutions present an answer to land scarcity, especially in reservoir rich nations such as Sri Lanka. Transparent solar panels and agrivoltaics allow for dual land usage, and increase energy yield without compromising land productivity.

Finally, flexible solar panels and building integrated photovoltaics represent the next wave of design led innovation, making solar a seamless component of buildings and infrastructure.

And as these technologies scale, local players are increasingly stepping up to shape the sector’s trajectory.

Sri Lanka is actively transitioning towards renewable energy with ambitious targets to increase its share in the country’s power mix. On LMDtv recently, the Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Hasith Prematillake explained that “as a nation, Sri Lanka is quickly heading towards meeting 70 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2030.”

He added: “Many say that it’s an impossible target; but we believe that it’s quite possible, provided that we create awareness in the community.”

Sri Lanka recently paused schemes such as Net Plus, which were designed to ensure that all electricity generated is exported and the owners are compensated for every unit produced. “Then there was an excess supply of energy – more than what the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) expected,” he noted, and explained that this was one of the reasons for the scheme being put on hold.

Despite hindrances from the public sector regarding investments in renewable energy, the private sector is making good strides in growing Sri Lanka’s solar power harvesting potential and other renewable energy sources such as wind.

Prematillake continued: “While there are environmental concerns around the Mannar belt in Sri Lanka, India has identified the Palk Strait belt to have the capacity to generate about 60,000 megawatts of wind power. That’s more than we need; so if we achieve this generation, we can export power.”

Solar power generation is widely adopted in the world with countries such as China, India and the US investing heavily in the sector. However, those countries are also facing the same challenges as Sri Lanka in terms of grid availability.

Successful case studies of solar power adoption can be seen in countries such as Australia and the Netherlands where there is significant power generation at micro level.

“In countries such as Australia and the Netherlands, one in three houses has adopted solar power. Most households have individual energy storage systems and their own microgrids, which enable them to have energy sufficiency at a residential level,” he pointed out.

Sri Lanka is suffering from grid infrastructure storage issues, which are in turn hindering the generation of renewable energy at residential level.

Prematillake explained: “Previously, Sri Lanka’s nighttime energy consumption was higher than during the day. But this has changed due to lifestyles becoming more sophisticated and an improvement in people’s economic status. Higher daytime power usage pairs well with solar power – but unfortunately, when there is no even power generation and usage, energy storage becomes a necessity.”

There is a solution through individual battery storage, he noted: “A few high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) have invested in a hybrid system to store energy and we are trying to promote it to the market. This will ensure storage for 1.5-1.6 million energy units, which is sufficient for a household.”

While the government is designing policy and price changes to encourage more energy storage, steps are also being taken to improve transmission lines and substations. “When the battery storage system comes in, microgrids will be connected to more substations, which will be able to absorb more and more solar energy,” Prematillake observed.

“Because there is no government incentive, battery storage is extremely costly right now – but in the future, the price will reduce to an economically viable level,” he added, while recommending the promotion of battery storage among households as a quick win for the government on the road towards renewable energy sufficiency.

And he summed up: “Both batteries and solar panels are abundantly available, so it’s simply a matter of fixing them. That’s the fastest renewable energy solution that Sri Lanka and the world can adopt. Self-sufficiency at the domestic level is the simplest solution, where you help yourself by reducing your electricity bill and help the economy as well.”

Hayleys Solar becomes the first and only renewable energy brand to be named among LMD’s Most Loved Brands 2025.

Q: How is Hayleys Solar evolving into a leading energy producer in Sri Lanka?

A: Hayleys Solar has grown from a solar EPC contractor into a leading renewable energy investor, securing 200 MW of projects from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and is now among Sri Lanka’s top energy investors.

Globally, solar power is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30-35%, with over 600,000 MW added in 2024 alone – a trend expected to continue over the next decade.

Sri Lanka is expected to follow suit, supporting our long-term growth. Advances in hybrid energy solutions, including battery integration, are also driving sector growth.

We’ve shifted from a B2B focus to building a strong B2C presence, becoming a nationally recognised solar brand. Internationally, we’ve entered the Maldivian market with successful installations.

Hayleys Solar is now synonymous with innovation, reliability, and national relevance— delivering energy solutions while empowering communities and industries islandwide. We hold unmatched brand equity in renewable energy, trusted by both businesses and individuals.

Q: What are some key milestones that have shaped the organisation’s journey?

A: Launched in 2011 as Fentons Solar Energy, we rebranded to Hayleys Solar in 2019 following Hayleys’ acquisition of Fentons in 2016. Our market share has grown from 7% to 25%, and we were the first local company to surpass 300 MW in solar installations.

Since 2019, we’ve focused on the residential sector, gaining over 12,000 customers. We introduced off-grid lithium-ion batteries and PV-DG solutions, and during the power crisis, energised 1,050 Dialog telecom towers to ensure continuous service. Upon reaching 200 MW in 2024, we donated 200 solar systems to 200 care homes.

We launched an agrivoltaic project—funded by the Asian Development Bank and in partnership with the University of Peradeniya—installing semi-transparent panels on tea

estates. We also commissioned the country’s first and largest 2 MWh battery energy storage system and completed Sri Lanka’s largest single-roof solar installation of 6.9 MW within 100 days.

Hayleys Solar has partnered with BYD for LiFePO4 batteries and Bluetti for portable solar generators. We’ve won SLIM’s Green Brand of the Year twice consecutively and are the only Sri Lankan EPC company operating in the Maldives.

Q: How are Sri Lankan brands demonstrating growth and resilience amid Sri Lanka’s economic recovery?

A: During the economic crisis, established brands held a competitive edge, while smaller businesses struggled with high borrowing costs, dollar shortages, and consumer mistrust.

Leveraging the powerful brand image of Hayleys, Hayleys Solar sustained momentum, securing exclusive partnerships with top banks to offer long-term solar loans, alongside high- quality solutions and reliable after-sales service.

For commercial customers, our installations cut energy bills by 20-50%, locking in costs for over 20 years and insulating businesses from price volatility. Apart from brand longevity, our proven track record and high-quality products have fostered trust, enabling companies to advance their sustainability objectives.

Q: In what ways should brands based in Sri Lanka balance their commitment to investment, delivery and customer value enhancement in the next 12 months?

A: Brand loyalty depends on consistent branding, product quality, and reliable service. Brand awareness grows by consistently delivering quality and dependable after-sales support, building consumer trust that must be maintained regardless of economic conditions.

To stay connected with customers, a brand must demonstrate value and uphold its core qualities. At Hayleys Solar, we remain committed to this by investing in brand-upkeep, growth, and improving after-sales service and customer experience to strengthen our Net Promoter Score (NPS).

In line with this, we offer a 20-year promise, assuring customers our systems are built to last for decades. Supported by the legacy and stability of the Hayleys and Hayleys Fentons brands, we are well-positioned to honour this long-term commitment.

Q: How can the power of brands contribute to driving economic recovery in Sri Lanka?

A: Strong brands demonstrated resilience during tough times, maintaining service and delivery, which helped drive economic recovery. Hayleys Solar aided this with renewable energy solutions that offset fossil fuel use.

As Sri Lanka is aiming for 70% reliance on renewable energy, this will reduce fossil fuel imports by 30%. If the country aims for 100%, capital investments for renewable equipment will be the sole cost.

Renewables also create widespread employment and enable households to become “prosumers” by generating and selling electricity to the grid.

INTERVIEWEE DETAILS

Hasith Prematillake

Managing Director Hayleys Fentons

Roshane Perera

Executive Director and CEO Hayleys Solar

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, has renewed its successful partnership with Cargills Group, Sri Lanka’s leading entity in modern retail, FMCG, and restaurants, to progress with the second phase of solar energy installations islandwide.

The first phase, boasting a delivery of 2.4 MW of solar power, covered 21 Cargills Food City locations, including Wellampitiya, Karapitiya, Bomiriya, Kothalawala, Akuregoda, Hokandara, Depanama, Mathugama, Katukurunda, Biyagama, Pepiliyana, Delkanda, Obesekarapura, Kolamunna, Avissawella, Kiridiwela, Koswatte, Dematagoda, and Cargills Square in Bandarawela. These installations offset approximately 19,321 tons of carbon emissions demonstrating Cargills’ ongoing commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

Encouraged by the success of Phase 1, Cargills has reappointed Hayleys Solar as its trusted partner to lead Phase 2 to deliver 2.1MW of solar power. This phase is already I n progress and will result in solar installations across 25 additional locations, including Saranankara Road, Rambukkana, Malabe, Thalahena, Himbutana, Kottawa, Angunukolapelessa, Arawwala, Mahiyanganaya, Pelawatta, Bandaragama, Kawdana, Cargills Square in Katubedda, Borupana, Hakmana, Batticaloa, Wadduwa, Matale, Pilimathalawa, Rajagiriya, Udahamulla, Beruwala, and Pamankada, and Tangalle.

Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, remarked, “We are honoured that Cargills has once again selected us as their partner for this important endeavour. Our collaboration is a powerful step toward advancing solar energy and sustainability in Sri Lanka, and we are proud to support Cargills’ efforts in reducing their carbon footprint. This partnership serves as a shining example for other businesses to follow.”

Roshane Perera, Director/CEO of Hayleys Solar, added, “It’s always a privilege to support returning clients like Cargills. Their continued trust reflects the strength of our solutions and service. With our islandwide reach and reliable after-sales support, we’ve ensured swift, high-quality installations that deliver real environmental impact.”

This partnership is playing a vital role in raising awareness of solar energy and environmental sustainability throughout Sri Lanka, even in more remote areas. With its expansive network, Cargills is ideally positioned to further extend these initiatives across Sri Lanka, leading by example in promoting clean energy solutions.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sukitha Arangallage, Head of Sustainability at Cargills added, “We are committed to sustainable practices and are excited to continue working with Hayleys Solar as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint. Our joint efforts are making a substantial difference in the environmental stewardship of our operations”.

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, and Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on making solar power more accessible and affordable to customers nationwide in Sri Lanka. Through this partnership, the two companies will combine their resources, expertise, and networks to offer long-lasting and cost-effective solar power solutions tailored to both residential and commercial customers.

Hayleys Solar, the number one solar provider in Sri Lanka, has partnered with global renewable energy leader BYD to introduce state-of-the-art energy storage and inverter solutions to the Sri Lankan market, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s energy security and independence.

This collaboration with BYD Energy Systems brings BYD’s most advanced energy technologies to Sri Lanka, including the LV 5.0, LV 5.0 Plus, Battery-Box Premium HVS, Battery-Max LiteIn and Solar Hybrid Inverters. These systems enable households and businesses to optimise their energy usage with efficient, scalable, and intelligent solutions.

The newly launched product line-up includes:

• LV 5.0 – A compact and modular low-voltage battery system perfect for residential use, with high efficiency and safety.
• LV 5.0 Plus – An enhanced version with greater discharge rate and robust thermal performance, ideal for high-demanding hybrid energy systems.
• Battery-Box Premium HVS – A high-voltage, scalable storage solution for advanced residential and commercial applications with up to 38.4 kWh expandable capacity, boasting a robust LFP battery.
• Battery-Max LiteIn – A high-voltage commercial battery solution engineered for maximum efficiency and flexibility. With a scalable capacity ranging from 30 kWh to 2.64 MWh, it supports 1C fast charging/discharging and 100% Depth of Discharge (DoD), making it ideal for demanding industrial and commercial energy storage requirements.
• Solar Hybrid Inverter – The intelligent hub that ties the energy system together, supporting grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid use with smart load control and remote monitoring capabilities.

This launch comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, amid the surge in energy demands and growing need for backup power, energy security, and long-term sustainability. BYD’s globally recognised technology is set to support the transition to a cleaner, smarter energy infrastructure.

Karson Xiao, Senior Director of BYD Energy Storage, remarked, “We are excited to collaborate with Hayleys Solar to bring our advanced energy storage and inverter solutions to Sri Lanka. At BYD, our mission is to provide clean, reliable, and intelligent energy technologies worldwide. This partnership aligns with our commitment to driving global sustainability and supporting communities in their transition to renewable energy.”

At the official launch, held at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, also stated, “As a company with a legacy of driving sustainable innovation, we are proud to partner with BYD to introduce future-ready energy solutions to Sri Lanka. This launch marks a major milestone not only for Hayleys Solar but also for the country’s journey towards energy resilience and independence.”

Roshane Perera, Director/CEO of Hayleys Solar, added, “We are thrilled to introduce these advanced technologies to the local market. Hayleys Solar is committed and well equipped to continue the enduring legacy of BYD’s superior battery and inverter solutions, which have recorded zero fire incidents across over one million installations in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Sri Lankan consumers now have access to some of the most advanced energy storage systems and inverters in the world, supported by Hayleys Solar’s extensive expertise and service excellence. With BYD’s battery and inverter solutions now available, Sri Lankan consumers can enjoy minimal grid dependence, increased energy savings, and smart energy management tailored to the evolving needs of the local market – backed by Hayleys Solar’s trusted expertise and service excellence.