27 November 2024 09:06 am Views - 61
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
In the wake of bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Sri Lankan government is taking the matter seriously.
He said that the government is reviewing Adani’s ongoing projects in Sri Lanka.
Minister Jayatissa said during the Cabinet meeting that no decision has yet been made regarding Adani’s projects, and the government is currently assessing the situation.
He said reports have been requested from the relevant ministries for further evaluation.
Earlier, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a summons to Gautam Adani, who is facing U.S. bribery allegations linked to a federal indictment against him.
Adani Green Energy is investing $442 million in a wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn in northern Sri Lanka, which is one of two major projects by the Adani Group in the country. The other significant investment is the Adani Ports-led container terminal project in Colombo. In November 2023, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a $553-million investment in the Colombo project, a $700-million joint venture between Adani Ports, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings.
Following the bribery charges filed in the U.S., the media reported that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is conducting due diligence on the port terminal project by the Adani Group.