Adani project: New Govt. slides from cancellation to review?

10 October 2024 07:54 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 78 Bookmark

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- Despite a pre-election promise to cancel the wind power deal with India’s Adani Group, the new NPP government is now seeking only to review the project after the conclusion of the general elections.

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in the run up to the September 21 presidential election vowed to cancel Indian conglomerate Adani’s 450 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka if elected.

Dissanayake the agreement was corrupt and against Sri Lanka’s interests.

However, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, at the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that the government would give a fresh look at it after the election.

Herath on Tuesday said no policy decisions on major projects would be taken before the parliamentary poll.

Any challenge to the deal would be a blow to Gautam Adani’s ambitions, as the group led by Asia’s second-richest person looks to develop multiple infrastructure projects in the island nation. Projects in the works include expansion of the Colombo container-ship port backed by the US Development Finance Corp.

Adani has proposed two wind projects in Sri Lanka — one in Mannar and a second in Pooneryn, both located in the country’s northeast. The Mannar project is separately facing court challenges from environmental groups over threat to wildlife, and complaints about alleged lack of transparency in the award of the project.

Currently, there is a court case going against the project over some environmental concerns.

Indias External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar also visited Sri Lanka on October 4.

Comments - 78

Rip Winkle Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:08 AM

Wasn't it obvious why Modi sent Jaishankar here? I'm gonna lose a lot of respect for AKD if he's going to dance to India's tune.

18 92

Potta Harry Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:24 AM

Slowly realising...

6 77

Dee Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:28 AM

Like all the followers (Majority) says, let’s give them more time! We can wait.

22 50

Perera Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:34 AM

Isn't it common sense that cancellation of the agreement, if at all, will have to be after detailed review of the agreement?

14 61

Tony Pereira Friday, 11 October 2024 02:34 AM

Yes, 100%. Open it to a Transparent Competitive Bidding process, with a Qualified Panel to evaluate the bids.

0 2

Nilantha Jayanetti Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:41 AM

Only Ranil didn’t lie for political gains!!!

40 99

Full aathal Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:55 AM

Bracelet

17 12

Nish Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:18 AM

Actually only Anura and Sajith lied.

25 33

saman Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:54 PM

Volkswagen.

3 10

Rip Winkle Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:41 AM

AKD talked the talk when campaigning for the presidency. Let's see if he can walk the talk now.

1 95

Gamage vithana Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:41 AM

Yes, on his campaign this was the one of the main issue. Any how if people loosing faith about his fresh start, it will be affected to future government who cant get the majority power to changes that people wish. Therfore AKD government think twice how to gain the power with majority' not loosing of faith and confidence of voters. At the same time it's too early to get sudden decision such as canceling that project at least government has give some clues what will be future of this project.

6 8

Damien Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:45 AM

This is the sole purpose of the visit of Jayashankar recently. He made sure Anura is now clearly in the bag of India.

6 55

Marxist in Kerala and lanka! Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:46 AM

"An agreement that was regarded as corrupt and against Sri Lanka’s interests" to AKD has become a subject to review? Is it the non stop murmuring of Dr. Jaishanker in AKD's ears or Power of the new seat or any new information that has changed the status of the project? A similar project in Kerala was cancelled when the general public in Kerala staged a protest. Incidentally, Kerala is the only state run by Marxists.

5 36

Ravi Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:47 AM

Any sane person will not go against the closest ally we have. India is the fourth largest economy in the world. We need their investments. Anyone can brag in election stages. But the reality is far from that.

10 60

kkt@dm Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:46 AM

Isn't this shows NPP's duality?

9 56

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:24 PM

What rubbish, who is talking against whom? Only some anti AKD people are mumbling about nothing. LOL.

13 9

Jeanne Friday, 11 October 2024 03:55 AM

Rubbish? This is just the beginning of broken promises. Wake up or grow up to the harsh reality of politics in Sri Lanka.

2 3

NPPer Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:05 AM

First step of cancellation is review diplomatically…

9 38

Rasi Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:07 AM

It has already moved forward in a certain direction. This is not politics in Pettah. Dealing with international partners is the most critical and difficult part of the development process and moving the country forward. We need to walk very carefully with India, China, and the USA. This could be an initial learning process for the new government and a good lesson in formulating their foreign policy. We saw what happened when Mahinda was lenient towards China.

4 29

Priyanee Wijesekera Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:09 AM

One thing for sure The NPP sure know how to take the gullible voters for a ride

21 64

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:26 PM

You tried anti NPP rhetoric without basis even before the elections, right. Did not work right?

11 9

sunil Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:03 PM

Now the basis has been proven. All empty rhetoric on election platform, without a clue of the facts. Why wait until general election to review? Is it to continue with the same.

2 9

Jayampathi Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:14 AM

Don't get worried. Review can lead to cancellation.That is the process. You can't just cancel unless you give good reasons. Anyway this project is like where Modi is repaying Adani for funding his election expenses. Does it really benefit Sri Lanka ? It does not, the pricing is not fair the promoter is tainted with corruption allegations.

21 32

Rip Winkle Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:16 AM

Love your comment. Although it's an open secret, many don't realize that Adani has got Modi in his pocket.

5 20

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:29 PM

@Rip winkle, anyone can be in anyone’s pocket, but new SL government will play with a straight bat, wait and see.

7 11

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:40 AM

Yes review is the correct method. If there are sectors that need to be renegotiated, then that needs to be done. However if the project is beneficial to this country, then lets stop the racist mentality that we always have with Tamils, Muslims, Indians, UN and even at one time with the USA and Europe. Stop this stupid mentality because those who produced this mentality have been now kicked out of parliament.

9 25

kkt@dm Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:34 AM

This is the mentality JVP and other so called patriots promoted over dacades. That is why people should not give them more than enough power. Voters were wise and didn't give malimava 50% in prez election. It seems NPP not walking the talk but going round the bush.

11 25

Priya Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:27 PM

@kkt@dm, you obviously just don’t get it do you?

3 6

A Supporter of the Capitalistic NPP Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:53 AM

Will the NPP Government change cancellations to reviews followed by acceptance of all other projects put forward by the super-rich in India and other countries including Economic Assasins such as Elon Musk?

3 8

Mahesh Thursday, 10 October 2024 09:59 AM

It is easier to criticise from outside as always but the reality in fact maybe different when you really involved in the process. But it is essential that the bigger players like India should not exploit Srilanka with its influence. We need to be loud and clear that any loss making projects will be a non starter at any costs. If they play differently and we need to match with our acts as well

3 12

Roshanaly Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:00 AM

Even RW promised to cancel the Port City project if elected as PM in 2015, but ultimately gave up after becoming PM.

5 16

Libtard Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:19 AM

Lesson - They all lie prior to the election. Use your brain.

5 11

Nissanka Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:00 AM

I've already lost respect for AKD and NPP. After all they are all FRIENDS. Policies are the same and only faces have changed. Instead of looking at interests of the nation, AKD is going for international popularity. Some day he will have to get back to the countrymen for his election. But by then people can call him the Asia's richest.

9 18

Dilakshan Senevirathne Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:09 AM

NPP will fulfil all election promises and will implement massive structural changes after the General Election. All these projects are to be reviewed and then action will be taken accordingly. You can keep a list of all promises and we will show how it is implemented.

28 13

sarath Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:07 PM

Initially the changes were to be done after Presidential elections, now it is after GE, after GE it will be after PS election and finally it will be after the next election. Like the promises made by all AKD's predecessors regarding cancelling the Presidential system

1 5

TC Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:29 PM

Clearly you are a paid or stooge of a proxy for AKD. I'm not a fanatic and will not support or oppose any politician prior to their actions!! You need to wake up from your slumber, politically educate yourself and be pragmatic before commenting for every comment against AKD.

2 4

Upulpb Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:10 AM

What's worng in reviewing to get the pricing down?

6 17

Rip Winkle Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:30 AM

Reviewing is fine, but what's concerning is that it appears Jaishankar was sent here to change AKD's mind. Jaishankar is a government official and Adani is a businessman (who posseses no business ethics). Most importantly, these decisions are for us to make as an independent state. You wouldn't want your neighbour interfering in your family's affair's, would you? Moreover, don't forget that Modi and Jaishankar made a big issue over Katchatheevu island recently.

4 15

Ron Thursday, 10 October 2024 10:33 AM

Unfortunate that in Sri Lanka politicians have to lie when campaigning if they want to win elections.

5 14

Ranfer Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:06 AM

God bless all the NPP voters

1 11

mohamed nihar Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:07 AM

It is quite apparent, that AKD didn't know what the implications/ repurcussions and current scenario of what a SL leader has to go through to manage this crippled boat. Now he is in the hot seat and cant blame him if he cannot deliver as per his manifesto. He just was not expericenced enough to realize that whatever you say cannot be done , whatever you critisize you eventually end up doing thats how it goes. RW with all his failures blunders managed to bring us to liveable conditions, as per AKD it was just fluke .... he will realize moving forward what it takes to be RW.

5 18

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:35 PM

So you’re a smarty to make conclusions after 2 weeks right? Wait and see is all I say.

5 6

Fernando Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:30 PM

Seems like you are AKD's mouthpiece and right-hand man! Number One AKD cultie, looks like! Ha, ha, ha, yes, we will wait and see. I wonder if you will still be making this fierce defence of your beloved leader 6 months from now.

3 3

Gamini Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:09 PM

Dilakshan it does/not take two weeks to realize this. You were just blind not to see it

2 4

B. Perera Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:04 PM

Oh yes. The gracious savior of Sri Lanka !! This heartless manipulator should fall within the definition of a "Traitor" craving and ever willing to sell everything that is Sri Lanka minus his pants... just for holding on to his ill gotten power. Thankfully gone for good this time around !

5 3

Shanika Fernando Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:10 AM

The NPP took to task from day one in making good changes for the public.Be patient and give them space.Do you want to get back the corrupt lot again to parliament? If any of the former lot return our country will sink in times to come.India will continue to interfere.See how they built Ratnadeepa.This project is sinking other local hotels and giving the opportunity for India to generate revenue serving their locals and Indian Tourists.What is the great benefit for us. .

10 13

Latha Thursday, 10 October 2024 01:08 PM

There are good ones from opposition who deserve to be in parliament. Country needs a strong opposion in quality and numbers. Do not believe any party or politician too much.

0 5

suresh Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:13 PM

Shanika-so you don't want FDI? What is the benefit-use your brain, all revenue does not go back to India. What about the local employment and sales? In that case gping by our stupid argument close down Hilton Sofia, Galadari

2 1

FredSnR Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:17 AM

Have a look at what is happening in Australia with Adani and coal they are collecting millions of signatures to block it , he seems to have powerful backers it will be a sad day indeed if the Mannar project goes ahead

8 7

Liberal One Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:21 AM

The biggest advantage AKD has is there is no AKD in the opposition, to sabotage each and every project and brainwash people.

4 17

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:39 PM

So with only 3% AKD managed to sabotage right? He must be super man then right? We have heard this same old sob storyline, anyway you’re entitled to repeat again and again if that gives you so much satisfaction.

5 6

Fernando Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:33 PM

But of course in your eyes he IS superman, isn't he?

5 3

Damith Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:15 PM

May be only 3 in parliament, but bus loads of protestors were brought and can be brought for a bottle and biriyani to protest against all development

4 4

Don Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:25 AM

When I read the comments here, I see how ignorant people with best practices. When you have to take over another person’s agreement, your first step is the review and determine costs and benefits to the stakeholders. Thereafter tell the opposite party that costs are excessive and benefits are few if that is the case. Next step is the negotiation. If negotiation can not yield benefits to both parties fairly, then agreement will have to be cancelled. That will also cost to both parties as there are terms and conditions of cancellation. Assessing those costs will make even renegotiation. This process must be followed. Grow up people.

5 10

Fernando Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:38 PM

Is it ignorance or lack of experience or both and made AKD unequivocally state that he was going to cancel the project if his party cones to power? Surely, such a wise and knowledgeable person should be very familiar with the process you have described and if he is an honest person, that's what he should have told the public - that the decision to cancel would depend upon a review of the project first. But that's not what he said, is it?

4 5

Gamini Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:16 PM

So without studying the costs and benefits how did AKD shout hoarse on election platforms that it was detrimental to SL and will be cancelled

1 5

Mk Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:26 AM

Big talk is easier than doing.

3 13

Yohan Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:33 AM

NPP never wanted to win a presidential election, they wanted to become the main opposition but majority of brainless pohottuwas saw Malimawa as the new home for them after major failure of Gota, so they voted AKD. Now AKD and npp in big trouble as most of the promises they made are not technically possible. Lol

7 17

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:41 PM

Another funny conspiracy theory when other theories are failing?

6 5

Dinesh Perera Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:58 AM

Isn’t a review the more wiser thing to do? The project has its benefits. And we do have to consider India. But if certain aspects are unfavorable, then a review seems the most practical. Also more details of the project would have come to light. Just because one thing was said on election platforms should not mean they should be followed through even if there are better options.

8 8

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:42 PM

Spot on.

7 4

Damith Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:18 PM

So you agree the people were taken for a ride

3 5

Sad man Thursday, 10 October 2024 01:16 PM

Any project that was good was opposed by the JVP/NPP. That is one of the reason why the country could never move forward. Now that the protesters are in power everything will work out just fine in the end. What gullible people the Sri Lankans are!

3 4

Akila Thursday, 10 October 2024 01:21 PM

I didn't see anywhere NPP directly said they'll cancel Adani projects. AKD said Adani is selling energy at a higher price to us and that he'll review it.

2 3

DPerera Friday, 11 October 2024 02:30 PM

Just google and read what AKD has said before the election.

0 0

Labby Thursday, 10 October 2024 01:23 PM

So did they not review or even take a close look at this project before saying they would cancel it when they come to office? Now everyone seems to justify the 'review' process. Aren't they the same ones who clapped and jumped up and down when AKD said he would cancel the project, without any mention of a review? Remember folks, its a 'change' that the NPP promised to the country which our gullible and naive voters fell for. This administration is now proving to be clueless in how to administer. It's turning out to be, not exactly a 6.9, but sonething similar. Let's wait and see..

4 6

Me Talking Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:03 PM

It's pathetic when people expect honesty from any forms of politics.

0 3

Ivar Chan Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:12 PM

Agreements cannot be cancelled just like that. They are legal agreements. Most opposition paprties will scream about cancelling BUT when you look at the agreements, then reality sets it. You cannot just cancel without incuring high costs. AKD and company should review the agreement to ensure it is fair otherwise try to renegotiate. That's the harsh reality.

1 5

Sajith Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:14 PM

Commonsense seems to be prevailing.

0 7

TrueNorth Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:30 PM

It would have been better if the NPP Spokesman said that their election promise to gullible voters was that they will review all projects undertaken by the previous governments, but the Press misquoted us by reporting we will cancel all projects. Walk the talk AKD and looks like your compass is heading in the wrong direction.

3 6

Alam Thursday, 10 October 2024 02:31 PM

Renegotiate always

1 2

Tilak Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:20 PM

more such promises will be made in the run up to GE and the people are again going to fall for it

1 4

Devastating to the environment Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:40 PM

These windmills are devastating to the environment. They don't last that long and when they are taken down they cannot be recycled. These windmills are buried in the ground or discarded in the ocean and remain there for thousands of years. It's all about the money and short term gains.

3 3

Ganesh Friday, 11 October 2024 05:12 PM

Their outer shell, shafts, gearing and electrical components are typically made from steel, copper, aluminium, other precious metals and recyclable plastics. Keep living in a well. Sooner or later the water will run dry so will our hydro turbines. Then burn coal to generate electricity. Keep living in a well.

0 0

Anthony. R Thursday, 10 October 2024 03:52 PM

Yes,it's fair to review which somebody else agreed, and take necessary action,but hope they walk the talk. But Modi sending Dr Jaishankar in a hurry to meet up with AKD could change things to favour the Adani pty,you never know for sure, it's politics and anything could happen.

5 3

Ian Bertus Thursday, 10 October 2024 06:07 PM

If AKD does not cancell this project, it is obvious that dispite his bravado, he has succumbed to Indian pressure. If he does so, he has put his entire reputation under the hammer. Imagine how China

4 2

Samarasinghe Thursday, 10 October 2024 11:43 PM

Suresh, we need FDI but not give key areas of Colombo to developing countries. Instead, it should be given to mature developed economies like US, UK, France, Germany etc..We are not against India, but if you see what Indians do when they get foothold in a place is terrible - see what they did in middle east, USA and now Australia. They create rivalry and politics in offices and also use corrupt practices to secure promotions. Contracts etc.

0 1

FredSnR Friday, 11 October 2024 04:38 AM

Lets have the election first which hopefully the govt wins.With a majority in Parliament he should be in a better position to negotiate.The process does not matter at this stage it is only the outcome that counts.And don't forget there are are many other issues facing the country bigger than this which he will have to face after the election.He has a country to run.But AKD is a seasoned politician and with his A team behind him hopefully we will see the end of Adani and his ilk.Sri Lanka deserves better.And it will help if reporting is improved bearing in mind the sensitivity of the subject and the public interest in the project, thanks

1 2

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