Former President A.P. J. Abdul Kalam on Friday called for making the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as dynamic as the European Union.
Dr. Kalam recalled that though Europe was responsible for two world wars in the 20th century, it later went on to establish European Parliament, which had been functioning successfully. He wanted the SAARC to become an energy independent region in 15 years.
Inaugurating a symposium organised by Ministry of Power and Energy on energy challenges, he urged the Sri Lankan authorities to convert Colombo and other cities in the country into “carbon neutral cities.” This could be implemented by reducing the consumption of fossil fuel and promoting renewable energy.
Earlier, Dr. Kalam addressed a gathering of school students at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall. He pitched for around 40 million houses in Sri Lanka to install roof-top solar power structures.
Participating in the symposium, Sri Lankan Minister of Energy and Power Patali Champika Ranawaka, said customer satisfaction and good governance were among the thrust areas of the government’s energy policy.
Dr. Kalam lauded President Maithripala Sirisena for increasing domestic food production, elimination of drug menace and environment protection, according to a release.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe hosted a luncheon for the visiting dignitary.
