Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has alleged that the government approved the controversial Kerawalapitiya “Sahasdanavi” LNG power plant based on inaccurate and misleading data presented in a Cabinet paper.
Speaking at a media briefing today, Premadasa claimed that the Cabinet paper cited a unit cost of Rs. 20.15 per unit of electricity, calculated using outdated figures such as Rs. 110 per litre of diesel and an exchange rate of Rs. 195 per USD. At the time the paper was presented, he noted, the actual price of diesel was Rs. 286 per litre and the exchange rate had reached Rs. 300 per dollar.
“This Cabinet approval was obtained on completely false grounds. It’s a grave injustice to the country and to electricity consumers,” Premadasa stated, calling the move a “highly corrupt act.”
He further said the Public Utilities Commission had already informed the Power and Energy Ministry Secretary in writing that the actual cost per unit from the project could range between Rs. 35.81 and Rs. 72.11, depending on various scenarios.
Despite these warnings, Premadasa said a formal agreement was signed for the project by the end of March 2025, raising concerns over whether other ministers were unaware of the misleading data.
He also highlighted a potential conflict of interest, saying one individual was simultaneously serving as Chairman of both the CEB and LTL Holdings, which is involved in the project.
Calling for a shift towards renewable energy, Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, along with other opposition parties and civil society groups, would take all possible democratic actions to stop further damage from what he called a “fraudulent” project.
The event was attended by representatives from Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Janasetha Peramuna, and several civil society activists including Ven. Battaramulle Seelarathna Thero. (Newswire)