Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says all renewable energy proposals approved during his administration were subjected to a thorough evaluation process and were not influenced by financial or political interests.
Speaking on the 2023-2024 renewable energy project approvals, Wickremesinghe said several proposals were given the green light to attract much-needed foreign investment into Sri Lanka’s energy sector. “We approved around USD 2 to 2.5 billion worth of projects, following proper evaluations and pricing by project-specific committees,” he said.
He clarified the processes followed with both the Adani Group and Hayleys, highlighting that committees were appointed by the Finance Ministry and Cabinet to review each proposal before approval. “Final prices were decided based on reports by these committees. We ensured all decisions were made through official channels,” he added.
Commenting on environmental and infrastructure factors, Wickremesinghe pointed out that the Hayleys project underwent a government-led study on migratory birds in Mannar, while Adani had to fund their own. Land for the Hayleys project was provided through the CEB, whereas Adani had to purchase the land.
“All preliminary studies, feasibility assessments, and licensing costs were handled differently for each project depending on their specific circumstances,” he said, noting that Adani was required to fund several of these processes independently.
Dismissing allegations that monetary influence drove these projects, Wickremesinghe stated, “If someone claims money was taken, they must also name who gave the money. Is it being suggested that Adani paid bribes? Are we saying Adani violated laws in Sri Lanka or India?”
He also urged that such issues should not be politicized during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, warning that unfounded allegations could harm diplomatic ties.
“We should focus on completing these projects and strengthening Sri Lanka–India relations in line with the joint statements issued in 2023 and 2024,” he said.
Wickremesinghe reaffirmed that the government will continue to work with India on energy cooperation, and stressed that any decision to halt projects must be backed by valid reasons.
Wickremesinghe was referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance that his government will not proceed with the power purchase agreement for the Mannar wind power plant unless the company agrees to the government’s proposed price.
Dissanayake said that the previous government had agreed to a rate of US$ 8.26 cents per unit, while the current agreement with a different company secured a deal at US$ 4.57 cents per unit—a difference that translates to Rs. 25 per unit instead of Rs. 13.
“We will never proceed until they agree to our price, irrespective of whatever agreement was signed,” President Dissanayake asserted. (Newswire)