Peak electricity demand in Sri Lanka is 2,800 MW of which c.34% is met by hydropower under major reservoirs, 16% by thermal, 33% by coal, and 17% by other renewable energy sources (2021 data). Energy demand is constantly increasing in parallel with socio-economic development.

Sri Lanka has a stated intention to make electricity generation 100% renewable, both as rapidly as possible and before 2050.

Renewable energy, especially mini hydro is an economically and environmentally viable source to cater to this growing demand.

Making use of existing sluice gates and irrigation systems under reservoirs for mini-hydropower development is viable. According to the Irrigation Department data, more than 40 major reservoirs and 50 main anicuts have been identified as having hydro energy potential. The installation capacity varies from 0.2 – 3.0 MW depending on the technical parameters.

It is estimated that c.150MW from mini-hydro sluice gates can be developed under reservoirs and anicuts.