The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka in collaboration with private renewable energy developers successfully energized a 33kV dedicated automated solar switching substation within the Katunayake Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Gampaha today, October 2, 2026.

The milestone marks the completion of Phase II of the Katunayake Green Industrial Initiative, which transformed over 400,000 square meters of factory rooftops across 60 export manufacturing enterprises into high-efficiency solar photovoltaic arrays. Generating a combined peak capacity of 25 megawatts, the rooftop solar network generates clean power that is immediately consumed by on-site garment manufacturing lines, precision electronics assembly plants, and automated warehousing facilities.

The newly commissioned switching substation incorporates smart power factor correction and automated SCADA synchronization, stabilizing voltage frequencies across the industrial zone during peak afternoon solar generation and exporting surplus power directly to the national grid. Industrial engineers noted that integrating rooftop solar reduces grid energy costs for export manufacturers by over 22% while providing vital backup resilience against potential power fluctuations.

BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath emphasized that decarbonizing Sri Lanka's primary industrial export zone enhances the international competitiveness of domestic manufacturers. With global retail brands and European buyers enforcing strict corporate carbon reduction mandates, operating on certified zero-emission solar energy allows Katunayake apparel and light-engineering manufacturers to secure high-value sustainable export contracts in international markets.