News
Counsel for CEB argues it was not illegal to deal with US energy group
By Chitra Weerarathne
There was nothing illegal in the deal to hand over 40 percent of shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to New Fortress Energy of New York, Romesh de Silva, President’s Counsel told the Supreme Court yesterday.
The President’s Counsel informed the Court that there had been Cabinet approval for the handing over of 40%stake in the Yugadanavi power plant to New Fortress of New York. The Cabinet approval was granted on 05 July 2021. The primary objective was to use natural gas to generate electricity.
The National Energy policy too was to have natural gas and accordingly it was the objective of the Ceylon Electricity Board.
On 17 October, 2020, the Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila signed a Gazette to the effect that natural gas could replace other sources of energy.
There had been direct negotiations between government to government to import natural gas to Sri Lanka, he said.
It was wrong to say that there was no competitive bidding process as it was not necessary to have such a process in the present instance as the issue was approved by the Cabinet.
Romesh de Silva appeared for the respondent the Ceylon Electricity Board.
The Secretary to the Treasury had been authorised to sign the agreement and to fulfil an investment transaction Romesh de Silva contended.
The bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya.
(Ms.) Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Sri Lanka based in Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 16, 2025.
The Prime Minister welcomed Ambassador Cainglet and extended her congratulations on the new appointment. The discussion focused on expanding cooperation in trade and tourism, with both sides expressing their commitment to exploring new opportunities in these key sectors. The meeting also addressed consular matters relating to the Filipino community in Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured continued dialogue and necessary support on relevant issues.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Judienne Capiz, Vice Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines in Dhaka, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. S.S. Premawardhane, Additional Secretary, Bilateral Political Affairs (East); and M.R. Keegel, Deputy Director, Southeast Asia & Central Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division].
The Bribery Commission on Friday filed a corruption case against former Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and ex-BOI Director General Jayantha Edirisinghe, accusing them of misusing public cash for a lavish newspaper ad campaign back in 2014.
They stand accused of siphoning Rs. 1.7 million in state funds to publish 11 newspaper supplements marking the second inauguration anniversary of then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 19, 2014.
According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the move amounted to a clear breach of anti-graft laws, with five formal charges now filed before the Colombo High Court.
The case, centred around alleged misuse of Board of Investment (BOI) funds, is backed by 21 pieces of documentary evidence and testimony from 15 witnesses.
The Bribery Commission maintains that the ad blitz had no official sanction and led to a direct loss of Rs. 1,748,877.76 to the state.
Inspector General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon is set to face formal questioning tomorrow (May 19) over serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power, parliamentary sources said on Friday.
A special committee appointed to investigate the claims will commence formal proceedings next week, following several rounds of preliminary discussions held within the parliamentary complex in recent weeks.
The IGP has been officially notified to appear before the committee and is expected to face the inquiry for the first time at 2:00 PM in Committee Room No. 8.
The committee, which met again on Thursday (15) to finalise arrangements, is investigating allegations that Tennakoon misused his official powers in a manner deemed severe and improper.
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