Renewable energy sources necessary - Minister

Disna MUDALIGE

Diverting to renewable energy sources is necessary to ensure the well being of the future generation, said Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

He was addressing a ceremony to commission a Grid Connected Solar System at the Lanka ORIX Leasing Company Thursday.

“World oil reserves are expected to be exhausted in another 40 to 50 years. We must strengthen our renewable energy sources in preparation for this condition. Otherwise, our children may have to use carts again for their transport requirements,” he said.

“Global warming contributes to water scarcity, rising sea level, intense rains etc,” he said.

“As expected about 36 countries including islands such as the Maldives that could go will go under water as a result of global warming,” the Minister said.

“Up to now the world has experienced five great extinctions of species due to natural causes. Some interpret that we are presently facing the sixth great extinction.”

Twenty five percent of species now living in the world are thought to be extinct in the future. The Human species is also on that list. Therefore what we will have to face a struggle for survival. Shifting to green energy from now onwards will be a step to reduce the gravity of this situation”, he said.