25 September 2021 12:00 am Views - 99
By Yohan Perera
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is to brief the Mahanayaka Theras of Asgiri and Malwatte on September 27, on the agreement which the government had got into with the American based New Fortress Energy to run the Kerawalapitiya power plant, an SJB MP said yesterday.
SJB MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told a press conference that he and a few other MPs from his party will meet the Mahanayakas of Asgiri and Malwatte on Monday September 27 to brief them about the deal.
“We thought we should meet the Mahanayakas as the Kerawalapitiya deal is an important one when it comes to the future of Sri Lanka’s energy sector. The deal is not about the Kerawalapitya power station alone, as it covers the second power plant that is to be constructed in the same area and about the LNG supply to Sri Lanka. Therefore we thought it is important to have a discussion with the Mahanayaka Theras in this regard,” Mr. Jayamaha said.
Asked whether launching a struggle against the deal will do any good when it is claimed that the agreement has already been signed, the MP said it will always be possible to amend the agreement to make it more favourable towards Sri Lanka. “It is always possible for the government to get the agreement amended,” he said.
Asked whether Sri Lanka will get the full ownership of the power plant in 15 years under the agreement, the MP said it is not clear whether New Fortress Energy would give up LNB supply after 15 years.