Govt. taking Adani allegations seriously; No decision yet on projects: Minister

Colombo, Nov 26 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the US, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said that the Sri Lankan government was taking the matter seriously. 

He said that the government was reviewing Adani's ongoing projects in Sri Lanka.

However, Minister Jayathissa said that no decision had been made regarding Adani's projects in the Sri Lanka cabinet meeting, and the government was currently assessing the situation. 

He said reports have been requested from the relevant ministries for further evaluation.

Last week, the US Securities and Exchange Commission issued a summons to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani amid bribery allegations tied to a federal indictment against him. 

The SEC's legal action claims Adani and his nephew, Sagar, engaged in a scheme involving over $250 million in bribes to secure contracts for an Adani company while falsely asserting compliance with anti-bribery laws. 

The indictment follows a series of fraud allegations against Adani, who is one of the wealthiest individuals in India. 

In Sri Lanka 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 US 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 US, the media reported that the US International Development Finance Corporation is conducting due diligence on the port terminal project by the Adani Group.