Yugadanavi deal signatories questionable – JVP

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna former Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti alleged that when the Yugadanavi power plant agreement was signed, the same person had signed as a witness on behalf of both parties.

Handunnetti stated so speaking at a media conference yesterday (14). Handunnetti further stated that the agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka by the Finance Ministry Secretary and signed by the Ceylon Electricity Board Chairman as a witness on behalf of the Sri Lankan side. Handunnetti alleged that the latter had also signed as a witness on behalf of a company named NFE Sri Lanka Power Holding LLC.

When the Finance Ministry Secretary signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, the government witness signs on behalf of the American Company. Is that even possible in an agreement? This is like the one who signed as a witness for the groom, signs as the witness of the bride also,” Handunnetti said.

Handunnetti said that the second witness on behalf of NFE Sri Lanka Power Holding LLC was a Sri Lankan female.

The said female had worked for the Tourist Board and was listed in the agreement as a project coordinator, he also explained. Handunnetti added that although the said female was working on projects for the Tourist Board, it was not yet known if she was the project coordinator for NFE Sri Lanka Power Holding LLC.

“Looking at the signing of an agreement that will determine the future of energy supply of the country, it is understandable why this agreement was not disclosed to Parliament, the Cabinet and the country,” Handunnetti added.