Finlays Colombo has installed a Photo Voltaic Solar Power system on the roof of its cold storage facility at Welisara, Sri Lanka. With a generating capacity of 1,000kWp, the system consists of smart solar modules that offer superior functionality – including panel level power tracking and monitoring, as well as an emergency switch-off safety feature. Electricity is a key cost driver in cold chain operations and the new system is expected to generate 27% of Finlay Cold Storage's current electricity requirements; it will also act as a cushion against adverse future tariff increases. The installation will also help to reduce carbon emissions and it is estimated that it will save at least 900 tonnes of carbon per annum. This project was supported by the Swire Sustainable Development Fund.

At the unveiling of the new solar power system on 9th February are: (left to right) Gihan Jayasinghe, Director, Finlays Colombo, Merlin Swire, Chief Executive of John Swire & Sons, Kumar Jayasuriya, Chairman of Finlays Colombo, Philippe De Gentile-Williams, Chairman, James Finlay Limited, and Hunter Crawford, Managing Director, Finlays Colombo.