The seventh meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific opened in Colombo, underlining ISA’s growing influence as a platform for clean energy collaboration and showcasing Sri Lanka’s proactive role in advancing the solar energy transition.
The high-level session was inaugurated by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who called for stronger regional partnerships, inclusive access to solar technologies, and targeted support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and lower-middle-income nations. Stressing the urgency of equitable energy access, the Prime Minister welcomed ISA’s initiative to scale up the Global Solar Facility and emphasized the need to tailor approaches for countries facing unique challenges, such as high energy costs, limited land, and grid limitations.
“Sri Lanka fully supports ISA’s four strategic pillars and is in the process of establishing a STAR Centre in Colombo to serve as a regional hub for solar training and research,” said Dr. Amarasuriya.
A major highlight of the meeting was the signing of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) between ISA and the Government of Sri Lanka, witnessed by the Prime Minister. The agreement, exchanged between Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, and ISA Director General Ashish Khanna, outlines a strategic roadmap to accelerate solar energy deployment, enhance financing mechanisms, and build institutional capacity in Sri Lanka.
Minister Jayakody reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving 70% renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. “Solar power is central to this vision,” he said. “The signing of the Pledge of Support for the ISA SIDS Platform reflects a clear shift from vision to action. Through economies of scale, reduced transaction costs via competitive bidding, and strengthened knowledge-sharing, the Platform will help SIDS turn challenges into opportunities.”
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, reiterated India’s ongoing support for ISA and its collaborative frameworks. “India’s achievement of 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources—five years ahead of schedule—shows what determined collective action can accomplish. As Sri Lanka pursues its renewable energy goals, we take pride in our growing energy partnership,” he stated. “Through ISA, we aim to illuminate lives and futures together—powered by the Sun.”
In his remarks, ISA Director General Ashish Khanna emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the global solar energy future. “With its vast diversity and shared goals, this region is key to the solar transformation. ISA’s focus here rests on four pillars: mobilizing catalytic finance, strengthening institutional capacities, fostering regional knowledge-sharing platforms, and accelerating the deployment of innovative technologies. Our goal is to work closely with Member States on tailored interventions that align with national priorities,” he said.
The meeting also saw several important developments:
- Signing of the Country Partnership Framework with Sri Lanka;
- CPF exchanges with Fiji, Kiribati, and the Solomon Islands;
- A memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICIMOD to promote solar cooperation in mountainous regions;
- Adoption of the SIDS Platform pledge by island leaders—anchored by ISA and the World Bank—designed to drive inclusive, climate-resilient energy access;
- Regional sessions on digital energy solutions, cross-border renewable energy trade, and startup innovation, including the SolarX APAC pitch competition.
The conference continues on 17 July, with sessions dedicated to operationalising the SIDS Platform, scaling technology-led solutions, and strengthening institutional frameworks.
The Colombo meeting sent a clear message: the Asia-Pacific region is committed to a shared solar-powered future, and ISA is playing a central role—bridging nations, attracting investment, and turning strategies into impact.
The ISA Regional Committees meet annually, under the leadership of a Vice-President from the respective region. These meetings serve to review progress, address challenges, and coordinate implementation of ISA’s initiatives, partnerships, and work plans. For the Asia-Pacific, the regional network currently includes 29 Member Countries, 32 Signatory Countries, and 22 Prospective Countries—reflecting growing momentum for collaborative solar action.
The International Solar Alliance, founded jointly by India and France during COP21 in 2015, now includes 124 Member and Signatory Countries. Headquartered in India, ISA works globally with governments to enhance energy access, promote solar solutions, and enable sustainable transitions to clean power.
Through its initiatives, ISA has pioneered new business models for solar projects, provided solar-related policy and regulatory advisory, aggregated demand to drive down technology costs, and increased access to finance by de-risking investment. It also supports capacity building through training and data sharing, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, mobility, and power generation.
ISA continues to partner with multilateral development banks, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to deliver cost-effective solar solutions, especially in Least Developed Countries and SIDS. With a growing global mandate, ISA aims to improve energy access, power sustainable growth, and enhance quality of life through clean, affordable solar energy.
