Controversy Surrounding (LNG) Project being Suspended…

Project initiated under a cabinet approved motion to National-Energy Policy to develop infrastructure for Natural Gas has been indefinitely put on hold, after the Power and energy minister himself made a representation.

SLPP MP Prof. Charitha Herath, has stated on 22nd that a number of cabinet ministers as well as the President has approved Power and Energy minister Mr. Kanchana Wijesekara’s proposal.

It has been cited that Minister Wijesekera has recommended the procurement of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) in terms of a government to government agreement or some other means until a suitable arrangement can be set up.

Explaining to the media what has taken place, SLPP National List MP pointed out the Parliament approved project only should be terminated  as a last and a final resort and that it has been asserted by Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Parliamentary committee.

Prof. Herath pointed out in an era where the country is going through extreme economic-financial difficulties and finding it difficult to provide energy to the nation at an affordable practical rate. He questioned what were the root causes of justification behind reversing the project. Some had pointed out that neither the ministry nor other Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is on the same page in regards to developing natural gas infrastructure within Sri Lanka.

Some had speculated the recent visit by the Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekar’s visit to India and the discussions he had held may have influenced the current decision being taken.

Minister Heath had further clarified that the present failure to implement this LNG project will cost the nation well over Rs.50 Billion. He further stated what he presumes  to be taking place is that the Wickremesinghe Rajapaksa alliance government is paying the way for a new energy company to be entering into the market for long term power generation needs for the country.

Sri Lanka’s power generation sector has severely suffered and incurred irrevocable losses due to the cabinet changing its stance  on pending  and ongoing projects to suit their own agendas and needs.

Minister Professor Herath has said he is grateful for the justice Minister’s stance in regards to standing against controversial decisions being taken in regards to the country’s power sector. It has been outlined that Intended plans envisaged development of floating storage and regasification unit at Kerawalapitiya on built owned and operated basis and a related plan to develop offshore and onshore regasification LNG transmission pipeline network with on-shore receiving facility and associated systems from the floating storage and regasification unit.

On the press briefing Minister Prof. Herath had severely criticized the President and the SLPP led government pursuing  this disputed course of action that would cost the country direly.