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Lokuge is evading the tabling of Yugadanavi deal in Parliament: AKD

08 Dec 2021

Whilst claiming to have passed 6 weeks since requesting Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge to table the agreement that was signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the New Fortress Energy Company in regards to the Yugadanavi power plant, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that Lokuge is delaying and now evading tabling the agreement. He made this statement in Parliament today (08). "I requested for the agreement that was signed between the Sri Lankan Government and New Fortress Energy company to be tabled in Parliament. We have the right to know the details in the agreement. Also, public finances should be discussed in Parliament. This dealing includes public finances, so it is right for the public to know the truth. Ever since I asked for this agreement to be tabled in Parliament, Gamini Lokuge has not turned up in Parliament, and I have a feeling he is evading this," said Dissanayaka. Dissanayaka further added that there were rumours that the agreement stated that it would not be disclosed to the public until 2 years had passed. "We want to know if this was true or not. Lokuge spoke openly to the media as well saying that he would table the agreement, yet now he seems to have gone missing," he said. Additionally, Dissanayaka stated that it was vital that the Government understands that the public should be kept informed on financial dealings which pertains to public funds. "Gamini Lokuge must remember that although he is the Minister of Power and he has a portfolio, he is dealing with public finances and there should be some accountability. He must remember that these dealings cannot be hidden from the public. I was informed that the agreement would be presented at the cabinet meeting, whereas to date, nothing has been done," Dissanayaka stated. He concluded by questioning the Speaker of the House if it was only the Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and the relevant Ministers who had authority to handle the dealings of LP Gas, Power and other assets in the country, and if they were to be held accountable to the general public if something were to happen.


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