The Opposition today questioned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa pertaining to the process of obtaining the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the transfers of shares of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant to an American firm.
A heated situation arose when the subject Minister responded to Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian SM Marikkar’s query on behalf of the Prime Minister.
MP Marikkar questioned if the Prime Minister was aware of the Cabinet Paper tabled on the matter and whether the LNG monopoly will be with New Fortress.
Responding, Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge said New Fortress receives the opportunity to construct the gas terminal at the Power Plant and to build the pipeline through the agreement, claiming the agreement is for a five-year term.
The Minister said the agreement does not allow any firm to hold a monopoly over the supply of gas adding the firm does not receive the authority to conduct research into the availability of gas and crude oil in Mannar.
MP Marikkar said he expected a response from the Prime Minister as he believed the subject Minister’s statement to be false and urged the Minister to submit a copy of the agreement in Parliament.
Minister Lokuge promised to submit a detailed report on the contents of the Yugadanavi agreement to Parliament within a week
