The President inaugurated operation of the program by lighting his official residence with solar power.

This program which is introduced to make the country self-sufficient in power is being implemented with the participation of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and other related organizations.

Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and the Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera were also present.

Meanwhile, the national ceremony to launch the program Surya Bala Sangramaya was held on Tuesday at the BMICH, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

He said the new program will not only assist the development of the country but also will help to improve the living standards of the people by fulfilling their daily needs of power.

 He said the main reason for him not to reside in the President’s House was the high monthly expenditure for electricity consumption.

The President also launched the website which includes information about the Surya Bala Sangramaya. He presented cheques for the loans for four persons symbolizing the provisions of loans to assist the people to use solar power under the new project.

Ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Arjuna Ranathunga, Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy B. M. S. Batagoda were among those who participated at this occasion.