Adani Group entering country through back door, says Sri Lanka’s Opposition
The Hindu
SJB slams Rajapaksa govt. for “pampering PM Modi’s notorious friends”
The Adani Group’s “back door” entry into Sri Lanka’s energy sector disrupts the country’s competitive electricity generation system, the Opposition has said, accusing the Rajapaksa government of “pampering” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “notorious friends”.
“It is with deep regret that we note that the Adani Group has chosen the back door to enter Sri Lanka. Avoiding competition is not something we take kindly. It hurts our battered economy, aggravates the balance of payment issues, and causes further misery to our citizens,” said Ajith P. Perera, chief executive of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB or United People’s Force), Sri Lanka’s largest opposition party.
The statement follows a recent agreement signed by India’s Adani Group to set up two renewable energy projects in Mannar and Pooneryn, in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which official sources confirmed was signed on March 11, 2022, has drawn attention, also for the apparent secrecy around it.
The Hindu Explains: The Adani Group’s port deal in Sri Lanka
The development came to light only after Sri Lankan newspapers reported on the deal, quoting officials in Colombo. The agreement for two-large scale renewable energy projects, with an estimated investment of $ 500 million, had been inked the same day the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India formalised an agreement with Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), to jointly set up a solar power plant in Sampur, in Sri Lanka’s eastern Trincomalee district. However, the agreement involving the Adani Group was not made public by either side.
“PM Modi may have given us crucial financial assistance during our current economic crisis, but that doesn’t mean our renewable energy sector’s most valuable lands and resources can be stolen for his friend Adani...The [Rajapaksa] government has many decent ways to thank PM Modi rather than pampering his notorious friends,” Mr. Perera said, adding that a global player like Adani would be “most welcome” through proper channels.
A former State Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Mr. Perera said that over the years, Sri Lanka had gained “a good handle” on renewable energy development, establishing a “robust competitive system” to gain the best value from private investments.
Telangana Education Commission recommends exclusive fee regulation commission for private schools to enhance quality and prevent burden on parents.
S. Jaishankar discusses trade, investment, and energy security with Omani counterpart during Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat.
Tamil Nadu government ministers stand firm against Hindi imposition and demand rightful share of funds.
Stampedes at religious events in India have caused hundreds of deaths over the years, highlighting safety concerns.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges people to understand the organisation's goal of uniting Hindu society, emphasizing close contact over distance.
Madurai Reader’s Mail
Congress accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of indulging in an “atrocious smear campaign” against Gaurav Gogoi.
Historic one-day Assembly session in Kokrajhar symbolizes peace and integration, a major highlight of Chief Minister Sarma's tenure.
The debate on reservation in judicial appointments for diversity and representation in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Boosting business confidence, India and U.S. aim to double commerce to $500 billion by 2030 through bilateral trade agreement.
Actors Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar advise students to focus on life skills, not just exams, during PM's Pariksha Pe Charcha.
Two Rajpura youths deported from the U.S. arrested for murder upon landing at Amritsar airport.
Fatal accident on Purvanchal Expressway in Barabanki; tempo-traveller collides with bus, leaving 4 dead and 6 injured.