Coalition Leaders meet PM over Kerawalapitiya Deal

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leaders of Political Parties in the ruling coalition met with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (23) for crucial talks over the controversial Kerawalapitya Power Plant deal.

The meeting mainly focused on the role of the ruling party in supporting the government in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and, the proposals to be presented in the 2022 Budget including a mechanism to educate Government parliamentarians such important bills beforehand, it was reported on the Prime Minister's official Facebook page.

In this nearly-two-hour meeting attention was also drawn to the potential consumer benefits from the operation of the Yugadanavi Power Plant, it added.

SLPP General Secretary & MP Sagara Kariyawasam sand the transfer of 40% of shares of the power plant for 15 years would not be an issue, as the deal would bolster Sri Lanka's energy sector.

"No one opposed this move," he told reporters.

In response to a question on the midnight deal allegation, the MP said "There is no fixed time to sign an agreement."

Minister Wimal Weerawansa said the leaders of the coalition presented their opinions on the controversial energy deal and they hope to meet the President on the matter, as there are opposing views about it.

"The 11 leaders in the coalition will sign a letter and hand it over the President when he returns," he added.