
Sri Lanka: Cabinet nod to secure $200M from ADB to upgrade power infrastructure
The Cabinet green-light has been granted to secure a US$200 million loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) to upgrade Sri Lanka’s power sector infrastructure, to enhance the reliability of transmission and distribution networks, leading to greater integration of renewable energy. The ADB has agreed to grant US$ 200 million in two separate loans for Ceylon Electricity Board (US$150 million) and Lanka Electricity (Pvt) Ltd (US$ 50 million) respectively, under two agreements on Treasury guarantee. Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development this week sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to enter into a security agreement with the ADB to obtain the US$ 200 million loan. The project is expected to improve the two utility providers’ ability to integrate and manage renewable energy systems, adopt digital solutions, and enhance hosting capacity of rooftop solar installations. According to ADB Country…...