Denials and emotions over renewable energy, Indian influence

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has categorically denied that he had not at any time given authorisation to award a wind power project in Mannar to any person or any institution.

“The President vehemently denied the statement made by the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in this regard,” a statement issued by President’s Media Division noted.

Much controversy was stirred after the CEB Chief’s remarks at COPE last Friday. 

The Committee asked if Adani Group has been nominated as a representation of the Indian Government to which CEB Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando said that the President Rajapaksa informed him that the Indian Prime Minister is pressuring him to provide this project to the Indian entity.

The PMD statement further noted that Sri Lanka is currently in an acute shortage of power and the President desires to expedite the implementation of mega power projects as early as possible. However, no undue influence will be used in awarding such projects. 

“Project proposals for large-scale renewable energy projects are limited, but special attention will be paid to the selection of institutions for the projects, which will be carried out strictly by the transparent and accountable system by the Government of Sri Lanka,” it added.

The CEB Chief Ferdinando later issued an apology for the comments he made at the COPE committee hearing last Friday regarding the Mannar Wind and Solar Project involving Adani Green Energy Ltd.

“Due to unexpected pressure and emotions I mentioned the Indian Premier which is totally incorrect,” Ferdinando said in a separate statement later.