By Saman Indrajith
The SJB yesterday accused the JVP/NPP-led government of having violated tender procedures in awarding a contract for a 50 MW Mannar Wind Farm project to Dhammika Perera’s Fentons. SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman raised the issue in Parliament yesterday, alleging corruption and political influence in the tender process.
Rahuman said that the previous government had initiated the tender process for the Mannar Wind Farm project, with five bidders submitting proposals by 14 March, 2024. The bids were opened on 09 May, 2024, and two companies were subsequently disqualified. The tender was initially set to be awarded to Windforce Plc, a leading renewable energy company. However, Fentons, owned by businessman and politician Dhammika Perera, appealed the decision to the Procurement Appeals Board (PAB) on 03 July, 2024.
The PAB reportedly found that Fentons had deviated from the tender process and recommended against awarding the project to the company. Despite this, MP Rahuman claimed that a Minister from the former government influenced the PAB to favour Fentons. When the tenders were reopened on 02 September, 2024, Fentons was among the rejected bidders. However, as the government prepared to award the tender to Fentons, Windforce Plc sought an Enjoining Order from the Court of Appeal. The case was later withdrawn after the Ministry of Power and Energy proposed splitting the project, allocating 25 MW each to Windforce and Fentons.
MP Rahuman alleged that following the formation of the JVP/NPP government, the Cabinet-appointed Negotiation Committee had been influenced on 01 November 2024 to award the entire 50 MW project to Fentons. Despite objections from the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, who argued against awarding the tender to Fentons, the Cabinet approved the decision on 06 January 6, 2025. The approval was reportedly kept under wraps.
“This government, which came to power promising to eradicate corruption, is now engaging in the same corrupt practices as its predecessors,” MP Rahuman said. He drew parallels between the current tender process and the alleged frauds under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.