India’s Adani Group says “disappointed” over Lankan official’s influence claim

India’s largest private power thermal operator, Adani Group said they were “clearly disappointed” by the slander it has received regarding the rolling out of renewable energy projects in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

A major stir was created at the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) last week when the now resigned Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Charmian M.M.C. Ferdinando said the project was awarded to Adani Group by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa following a request put forward by India’s Premier Narendra Modi. 

The CEB Chairman however later withdrew his statement and resigned from his post, but Adani Group has expressed its dissatisfaction with the statements and claims made on the upcoming project.

“As a responsible corporate, we see this as a necessary part of the partnership that our two nations have always shared. We are clearly disappointed by the detraction that seems to have come about,” said a spokesperson of Adani Group.

“The fact is that the issue has already been addressed by and within the Sri Lankan government,” the spokesperson added. Adani Group plans to set up two renewable energy projects in Manner and Pooneryn. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the same was signed on 11 March 2022 which was not publicised until the US$ 500 million deal was reported by local media quoting officials involved in the project.

President Rajapaksa took to Twitter on June 11 to deny the allegations made by former CEB Chief at COPE.

“Regarding a statement made by CEB Chairman at a COPE committee hearing on the awarding of a wind power project in Mannar, I categorically deny authorisation to award this project to any specific person or entity. I trust responsible communication in this regard will follow,” Rajapaksa tweeted.

The President’s office also released a statement shortly after highlighting the severe shortage of power in the country, asserting the need to fast-track the implementation of mega power projects as early as possible.  The statement stressed that no influence will be used in awarding the projects.