The controversy that surrounds the allocation of a wind power project in Mannar to Indian business giant Adani continues to create ripples within the Government.
This was revealed by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently, when he claimed that there were allegations that a Government minister had accepted $ 1.5 million to award the project to Adani. “These details are being revealed to us by members of the Government themselves,” he said.
The proposed Mannar wind power plant that has been awarded to Adani caused controversy when members of the Opposition and some in the Government objected to amending the Electricity Act, claiming it would pave the way for large-scale renewable energy generation projects to be awarded without a tender process through wheeler-dealing. However, the Electricity Act was passed with a majority of 84 votes in Parliament despite objections.
Adani also caused controversy at a parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) meeting, when Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando stated that the project had been granted to Adani following pressure from Indian Premier Narendra Modi. However, following a denial issued by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Ferdinando also retracted his statement to COPE, saying he had made it due to “unexpected pressure and emotions” in the face of unreasonable allegations being levelled against him.
However, COPE member MP S.M. Marikkar, in response to Ferdinando’s apology and retraction, said that statements made before the Committee could not be retracted. He added that statements made before the COPE or any other parliamentary committee were legally binding and could therefore not be treated lightly.
Furthermore, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that he will raise a privilege issue in Parliament since the CEB Chairman’s actions had violated the privileges of all MPs who had voted against the controversial amendments to the Electricity Act.
Premadasa has further claimed that Ferdinando, when making the controversial statement before COPE, had been composed and smiling and did not seem to be under any pressure. “It seems he was under pressure to retract the statement, but in the process of doing so, he has lied,” the Opposition Leader has added.
Ferdinando tendered his resignation from the post of CEB Chairman on Monday (13) and the Deputy Chairman was appointed as the new Chairman of the Board.
Sunny Side Up: Adani controversy hits the Government
19 Jun 2022
Sunny Side Up: Adani controversy hits the Government
19 Jun 2022
The controversy that surrounds the allocation of a wind power project in Mannar to Indian business giant Adani continues to create ripples within the Government.
This was revealed by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently, when he claimed that there were allegations that a Government minister had accepted $ 1.5 million to award the project to Adani. “These details are being revealed to us by members of the Government themselves,” he said.
The proposed Mannar wind power plant that has been awarded to Adani caused controversy when members of the Opposition and some in the Government objected to amending the Electricity Act, claiming it would pave the way for large-scale renewable energy generation projects to be awarded without a tender process through wheeler-dealing. However, the Electricity Act was passed with a majority of 84 votes in Parliament despite objections.
Adani also caused controversy at a parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) meeting, when Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando stated that the project had been granted to Adani following pressure from Indian Premier Narendra Modi. However, following a denial issued by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Ferdinando also retracted his statement to COPE, saying he had made it due to “unexpected pressure and emotions” in the face of unreasonable allegations being levelled against him.
However, COPE member MP S.M. Marikkar, in response to Ferdinando’s apology and retraction, said that statements made before the Committee could not be retracted. He added that statements made before the COPE or any other parliamentary committee were legally binding and could therefore not be treated lightly.
Furthermore, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that he will raise a privilege issue in Parliament since the CEB Chairman’s actions had violated the privileges of all MPs who had voted against the controversial amendments to the Electricity Act.
Premadasa has further claimed that Ferdinando, when making the controversial statement before COPE, had been composed and smiling and did not seem to be under any pressure. “It seems he was under pressure to retract the statement, but in the process of doing so, he has lied,” the Opposition Leader has added.
Ferdinando tendered his resignation from the post of CEB Chairman on Monday (13) and the Deputy Chairman was appointed as the new Chairman of the Board.
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!