Yugadanavi power plant in Kerawalapitiya: Minister rejects allegations

COLOMBO: Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena refuted allegations by leaders of several coalition parties in the government that the Cabinet paper selling the 40 per cent shares of Yugadanavi power plant in Kerawalapitiya to an American company was not taken up for the discussion at the Cabinet meeting.

Speaking to the media at Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party headquarters in Battaramulla, Abeygunawardena said the relevant Cabinet paper was not presented in a secret manner.

He said all party Leaders supporting the government should protect their collective responsibility while discussing and solving any issues behind closed doors. Issues arise when they are trying to find solutions to such issues from outside, he added.

Some internally resolvable issues become huge problems when some Party Leaders begin to suffer from the ‘higher political positions’ mania, Abeygunawardena said.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that those who are making objections to the Yugadanavi deal with US-based New Fortress Energy Company should make explanations to the country as to why they oppose this investment which is very advantageous to the country.

If this project is implemented soon, it will cut down the price of one electricity unit by 25 per cent.

Cheaper costs on electricity brings more investments to the country, Kariyawasam pointed out.

Accordingly, he requested those party leaders to explain to the country the reasons why such a beneficial project should not be implemented as planned.