The Renewable Energy Protectors' Association (REPA) called on leading Presidential candidates to outline their plans to address issues faced by the renewable energy sector, including the Power and Energy Ministry’s recent decision to lower the tariff rate for solar energy projects to Rs. 27 per unit. 

According to the REPA, the Ceylon Electricity Board has instructed officials to reduce the tariff rate for solar energy projects. REPA President Darshana Liyanasekara claimed that this move discourages local investment in renewable energy, undermines the progress achieved in recent years, and jeopardises the goal of sustainable economic growth through renewable energy. "We lose billions in foreign exchange, especially in United States Dollars ($), due to dependence on diesel based power generation. While the Ministry has moved to reduce tariffs for solar energy projects, there has been no effort to lower the prices paid for diesel based power. The Government currently pays between Rs. 70-100 per unit for electricity generated from diesel. By investing in solar energy, we can keep that money within the country instead of it being lost as $ outflow." 

The REPA appealed to the Presidential candidates to clearly state their position on whether they support renewable energy.