Amid a heightened political debate, National People’s Power MP Lakmali Hemachandra has refuted claims that Sri Lanka has reached agreements with India regarding a fuel pipeline and power cable system. Addressing Parliament, Hemachandra clarified that no final agreements had been made during President Anura Dissanayake’s visit to India, as the two countries have only agreed to continue discussions on these energy projects. Hemachandra emphasized that the opposition’s claims about signed agreements were false and misleading. She added that a solar power project in the Sampur area was the only confirmed agreement.
The controversy has intensified as Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also responded to the opposition’s concerns, particularly those raised by MP Nalin Bandara. Herath reiterated that no agreements had been signed that could compromise Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, specifically in regard to the power grid connection with India. The purpose of this agreement, according to Herath, is to export surplus energy from Sri Lanka to BIMSTEC countries, which he argued would provide economic benefits to Sri Lanka.
Herath dismissed fears of a betrayal, stating that the joint statement issued with India makes it clear that only discussions on various energy projects have taken place so far. Both MPs sought to assure the public that the country’s energy future remains under Sri Lanka’s control, and no decisions have been made that would undermine national interests.
This ongoing dispute reflects broader concerns about Sri Lanka’s energy agreements with India, as critics question the long-term implications of such collaborations on national sovereignty and economic stability. While the government insists that no binding agreements have been reached, the opposition remains wary of potential deals that could affect Sri Lanka’s energy independence and strategic interests.
