Shell Solar Lanka Limited recently held its awards day to celebrate the outstanding performance of the Company, its staff and agents in 2002. One of the most significant achievements of the Company was the fact that it became the most successful rural solar business in the world.

Shell Solar Lanka recorded an outstanding year in 2002, where it was able to achieve its business and financial targets and recorded a customer base of over 18,000 households. The Company’s achievements were also noted in the 2002 Shell Annual Report: Meeting the Energy Challenge and a special publication for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Roberto Moran, Country Chairman and Managing Director Shell Sri Lanka, delivering the keynote address at the awards ceremony, praised Shell Solar Lanka for their outstanding achievement. He praised the team for their commitment, effort and dedication in making 2002 a stellar year.

"The team continues to grow as its market grows. We see new branches being added on to our already extensive network, with efforts to capture the opening North and East. We are also launching a new product range, which will add more options and value to our customers. I am optimistic and confident about Shell Solar’s future in Sri Lanka," said Moran.

He added that there were tremendous opportunities in the Sri Lanka market for the expansion and growth of the solar business. Moran said, "According to market research, only 59% of Sri Lankan households are connected to the national grid. Thus, there are around 2 million households that need electricity and solar can provide that power."

Dinukh Fernando, Director / General Manager of Shell Solar Lanka said that the success of the Company can be attributed to the team effort of our staff and agents who worked tirelessly to achieve targets during the year. "Our strength is in our staff and it was so rewarding to work with such a dedicated workforce." To cap it all, as a Company, "We have helped uplift the living standards of over 18,000 Sri Lankan rural customers. That satisfaction is what drives us."