CEB Modernizes Power Transmission to Support Renewable Growth
- CNL Reporter
- August 19, 2025
- News
- CEB
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NEWS OF THE DAY
Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has stepped up its modernization drive to upgrade the national power transmission system, aiming to reduce outages, improve efficiency, and integrate more renewable energy into the grid.
Power and Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody issued directives to accelerate the program during an inspection of two newly completed substations at Kirindiwela. The work is part of the National Transmission and Distribution Network Development and Efficiency Improvement Project.
The project includes three new facilities: the Battaramulla 132/33kV substation, the Kirindiwela 132/33kV grid substation, and the Kirindiwela 220/132kV switching station. Once fully operational, the Kirindiwela switching station will strengthen hydropower transmission from the Mahaweli and Kelani plants to the Western Province, increasing reliability by transforming the single transmission line into a multi-path network.
The upgraded system will add 500 MW to the Western Province’s transmission capacity and 63 MW to distribution in Kirindiwela, Yakkala, Kadawatha, and surrounding areas, ensuring stable power for homes and industries. It will also allow more rooftop solar and large-scale renewable projects to be absorbed into the grid.
Minister Jayakody emphasized rapid completion of the initiative, which also covers substations in Padukka, Ratmalana, Veyangoda, Kotmale, and several other regions.
Boost for Renewable Integration
A key benefit of the upgraded system is its ability to integrate more renewable energy into the national grid. The strengthened network will allow household rooftop solar power in the Western Province to be absorbed more efficiently. In addition, it will prepare the grid to accommodate large-scale renewable energy projects planned across the island, from solar to wind and hydropower.
By minimizing electricity losses through reduced transmission resistance, the project will also increase overall system efficiency and lower costs in the long run.
Wider Expansion Plans
Beyond Kirindiwela and Battaramulla, the modernization program will expand to cover substations in Kosgama, Kotmale, Padukka, Pannipitiya, Ratmalana, Seethawaka, Thulhiriya, Veyangoda, Nawula, Polpitiya, and Ukuwela. These upgrades are expected to reinforce the backbone of Sri Lanka’s national power transmission system.
Minister Jayakody stressed the need for rapid completion of these projects, assuring officials that his ministry would extend full support to overcome any challenges during implementation.
The CEB’s transmission modernization initiative marks a critical step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy security, ensuring a more reliable supply for consumers, and enabling the shift toward a 70% renewable energy target in the coming years
