Consult PM & FM on New Fortress Deal, says President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed Government affiliated parties to hold further discussions with the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister on the agreement reached to hand over 40% of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to New Forstress Inc. The President made this comment while responding to a letter sent by the leaders of 11 Government-affiliated parties requesting for an appointment from the President to discuss the relevant agreement. When News 1st inquired on the matter with Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, he said that the President had informed the party leaders of his response in a letter. Meanwhile, the leaders of 11 Government affiliated parties are scheduled to meet today (16) to hold discussions regarding the response letter sent by the President. The 11 Government affiliated parties that voices concern over the agreement to hand over 40% of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to the New Fortress Inc, met with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 23rd and following that discussion, the party leaders said that they would meet with the President to discuss the matter further. Representatives of 11 Government affiliated parties, including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, National Freedom Front, and the Democratic Left Front attended the previous discussion with the Prime Minister.