We see many buildings with unnecessary light bulbs which is a waste of electricity, he told a news conference. If lights are uses properly we can reduce energy use and even reduce electricity bills.
Sri Lanka is known to have the highest energy cost for the south Asian region because of delays in starting power plants.
The bulk of the energy is supplied by oil-based thermal power plant supported by hydro-power stations.
Dissanaike said the government wants to reduce use of fossil fuel for power supply because of the high cost and pollution caused and encourage a switch to alternatives like renewable energy.
Guidelines have been prepared for industry on how to save energy.