DIMO
ENGINEERING ENERGY RESILIENCE
Sri Lanka’s power sector is on the brink of a transformation. Rising demand and a bold national target of generating 70 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030 are reshaping how businesses think about energy.
Power distribution is no longer a hidden utility for corporates – it is a strategic lever for resilience, cost efficiency and sustainability.
In this interview, General Manager – Power & Energy at DIMO Shehan Amaratunga unpacks how low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) systems can give companies a competitive edge. He also weighs in on the growing role of high voltage (HV) projects and the disruptive potential of battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Q: What are the most critical factors corporates should consider when implementing LV and MV power distribution systems?
A: Every corporate facility relies on its power distribution system even though it often operates unnoticed. If designed poorly, it can disrupt operations, limit efficiency and stall future growth. When investing in LV and MV systems therefore, businesses should prioritise safety, reliability, compliance and scalability.
Sri Lanka’s unique grid conditions heighten the importance of these factors. Frequent voltage and frequency fluctuations, heavy lightning during monsoon seasons and the rapid rise of solar integration add stress on electrical systems.
Without robust engineering, businesses risk costly downtime, equipment damage and power quality issues. Safety must always be uncompromising, meeting both local regulations and international standards. Reliability is equally vital since even a short disruption can affect productivity and brand reputation.
Scalability ensures systems can grow alongside the business. Importantly, companies must consider the entire life cycle – design, maintenance, monitoring and upgrades – rather than focussing solely on installation.
At DIMO, our partnership with Siemens has enabled us to deliver world-class solutions to high energy users such as Nestlé Lanka, Coca-Cola, Havelock City, Marina Square, Unilever, MELWA, Brandix, Hutchison Telecommunications and Siam City Cement.
In each of these cases, carefully engineered LV/MV systems have supported long-term reliability and growth.
Q: In what ways can these systems help businesses maximise efficiency and optimise power consumption?
A: Power distribution is not only about delivering electricity. The way LV and MV systems are designed directly impacts energy efficiency. Modern solutions provide real-time monitoring, intelligent load management and better control of consumption. The benefits include lower energy bills, extended equipment lifespan and reduced carbon footprint.
Advanced switchgear can detect imbalances and prevent energy losses while integration with building management systems further optimises efficiency.
In projects such as Colombo City Centre, Galle Face Hotel, Tokyo Cement and large-scale hospitality facilities in the Maldives, smarter LV/MV systems enhance reliability and safety while enhancing guest comfort and supporting sustainability goals.
Q: From a cost management standpoint, how should organisations approach budgeting for LV/MV distribution projects?
A: Many Sri Lankan companies focus heavily on minimising upfront costs. Given frequent voltage fluctuations, surges and renewable integration however, the cheapest option is rarely the most cost-effective in the long run.
Businesses should adopt a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, factoring in design quality, equipment lifespan, maintenance and efficiency.
Cutting corners may save money initially but often results in breakdowns, downtime and energy losses.
By contrast, investing in high quality systems delivers lower operational costs and stronger reliability over many years.
At DIMO, this has always been our philosophy: helping corporations secure durable systems that protect their bottom line while supporting operational excellence.
Q: What criteria should decision makers prioritise when selecting a vendor or solutions partner for LV/MV systems?
A: Choosing a vendor purely on price exposes corporations to unnecessary risks. Power infrastructure is too critical for short-term cost considerations.
Instead, organisations should prioritise proven experience delivering complex multi-industry projects; access to world-class technology through global partnerships; comprehensive services covering design, project management, installation, testing, after sales support, strong compliance with ISO standards and local Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) accreditations; and long-term service readiness with locally based engineers and technical teams.
DIMO exemplifies this approach. We manufacture Siemens’ SIVACON and SIEPAN low-voltage panels under official brand licences – the first to do so in Sri Lanka – ensuring clients receive globally certified quality backed by local support.
In the MV sphere, we bring Siemens manufactured transformers and MV panels from Germany, India, China and Hungary as per the client’s requirements. As one of the few EM1 accredited contractors in the country, we are supported by over 100 engineering and technical professionals. Together with Siemens, we deliver not only international expertise but also local agility and responsiveness.
Q: How do you see LV/MV solutions evolving in support of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy transition?
A: Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals cannot succeed without robust distribution. LV/MV systems are evolving from passive conduits into smart, digitalised networks that handle variability, improve efficiency and support sustainability targets.
Features such as smart switchgear, advanced monitoring and automation allow businesses to cut costs and build resilience.
DIMO has already contributed significantly to this transition. We acted as the electrical balance of plant (EBOP) contractor for Sri Lanka’s first 10MW wind farm and the country’s largest 100MW wind project.
And DIMO also delivered Sri Lanka’s first grid tied microgrid with battery storage at the University of Moratuwa and is currently developing over 30MW of solar projects under the build-own-operate (BOO) model.
These experiences show how LV/MV systems are not merely technical necessities but vital enablers of renewable energy integration and corporate sustainability pathways.
Q: Beyond LV/MV, what role do HV infrastructure and emerging solutions such as BESS play in shaping Sri Lanka’s energy future?
A: High-voltage infrastructure is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s national grid. As renewable penetration increases, transmission networks must expand to carry power from large-scale solar and wind farms while maintaining grid stability.
DIMO has played a central role in contributing to building 70 percent of the nation’s grid infrastructure, delivering a substantial share of the country’s turnkey substations and supplying Siemens’ high-voltage equipment under Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency Sri Lanka (JICA) funded projects.
The next frontier is battery energy storage systems. With tenders already underway, BESS will stabilise the grid, absorb solar and wind variability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaking plants.
For corporates, HV and BESS projects present immense opportunities; but quality and expertise must not be compromised. Success requires the right technology partners, skilled project management and a commitment to long-term reliability.
At DIMO, our focus has always been on combining global technology leadership with strong local capability. We encourage more Sri Lankan corporates to participate in this sector, which has the potential to shape both the country’s energy resilience and their own sustainability journeys.
Through its expertise, partnerships and proven track record, DIMO continues to lead the way – empowering corporations to strengthen their infrastructure while energising the future.
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
COMPANY DETAILS
Email dimo@dimolanka.com | Website www.dimolanka.com
