Towards an energy independent SAARC region by the year 2030

We can liberate from energy dependency in a future day if we put more weight on green energy and less weight on fossil fuels which is much more popular.
We as a country must find our own methodologies to elevate to the level of a high income earning state. – Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka

The former president of India Dr. Abdul Kalam emphasized the importance of working together as the SAARC region to become an energy independent and a non-aligned region by the year 2030.
Dr. Kalam expressed these views yesterday (26th) participating at the inaugural session of the international energy summit, “Energy approach towards a knowledge based economy.” organized by the ministry of power and energy
“We are unable to estimate the exact damage caused by the fossil fuels to our earth and the atmosphere. By using fossil fuels, people emit more than 39 Giga Tons of Carbon Dioxide to the atmosphere per year. The energy sector is highly politicized by now. The SAARC countries which have a similar cultural background must get-together to change this trend towards renewable energy sources. Then only the earth will become a healthy place for human being to live.” Dr.Kalam Emphasized.

Further expressing his views he said,
Usage of electricity for transportation and usage of renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power, bio gas, for the generation of electricity instead of using coal and diesel with high carbon dioxide emmissions are two major transformations which are taking place in the world today.

We can only get the independence from fossil fuels if we reduce the usage of fossil fuels. I suggest that SAARC countries should develop a 100 million Dollar fund to do research on green energy.

India had been launched two satellites into orbit to measure the changes occur in the atmosphere. If both Sri Lanka and India jointly launch a new satellite, it will help to the establishment of green oceans and green nations.

The minister of power and energy Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka participating at the event. . . .

As a country Sri Lanka is ahead of other countries in education, health, life expectancy and women empowerment. But it is at a low level regarding the knowledge economy and in innovations. Sri Lanka is in the 105th position in innovations out from 143 countries of the world. The greatest challenge ahead of us is energy sufficiency and how to escape from the trap of middle income country.

We must find our own ways to achieve upper income country status. In its way forward we have to win four challenges.

At first, country should gain the economic success through a sustainable development process. Second one is the conservation of the environment by protecting the bio diversity. The next is to create a social equity without cast creed religion and social class. The last but not the least is the achievement of individual happiness. These four factors help to create social prosperity and economical balanced nation. He said.