Opposition leader MP Sajith Premadasa has accused the Sri Lankan government of corruption regarding the recently approved Solar Power Project in Kilinochchi. In a special statement issued on Thursday, MP Premadasa alleged that the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an Australian-based firm for the project is riddled with corruption. He pointed out that the Sri Lankan government did not follow a proper tender process before approving the PPA agreement with the Australian firm, United Solar Group (USG).
MP Premadasa’s accusations come after the Cabinet's recent approval of the Power Purchase Agreement with United Solar Group of Australia for the Solar Power Project. Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera announced that the Australian firm will invest in a 700 MW Solar Power Project with a 1500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System. He further added that the Solar Power Project will be established with a Foreign Direct Investment of USD 1,727 Million.
While speaking to the media, MP Premadasa accused the government of engaging in corrupt practices, stating that the tender process was not transparent. He pointed out that several local solar power companies were not given an opportunity to participate in the tender process. MP Premadasa further added that the government had failed to conduct the solar power project in an efficient manner and that the Australian company behind the project must be thoroughly evaluated before approving the PPA agreement.
However, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera defended the project and stated that the Australian company is committed to developing the solar power industry in Sri Lanka to promote clean energy and that the project would greatly benefit the country.
