Why a ‘Stop Adani’ protest is being planned in Sri Lanka

A “massive protest” is being planned in Sri Lanka against Indian industrialist Gautam Adani’s group over allegations that an energy project was awarded to the group after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 

Several social media users urged the residents of Sri Lanka to gather “in front of Majestic City”, a location in Colombo, at 2 pm on June 16.

A major row erupted over the award of an energy project to the Adani Group. The group released a statement on Monday days after a Sri Lankan official revealed the news of the project being handed to the group.

Also Read | Here’s why bankrupt Sri Lanka is forced to save fuel for cremations

The controversy began when the chairman of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) MMC Ferdinando, who has now resigned, told a parliamentary panel that he was told Rajapaksa about Modi pressuring him to give the 500-Megawatt renewable energy project in Sri Lanka’s Mannar district directly to the Adani group.

However, President Rajapaksa strongly denied the claim.

“Regarding a statement made by the #lka CEB Chairman at a COPE committee hearing regarding the award of a Wind Power Project in Mannar, I categorically deny authorisation to award this project to any specific person or entity. I trust responsible communication in this regard will follow,” President Rajapaksa tweeted.

Ferdinando also later retracted his statement, saying that he had been “overcome with emotion.”

Also Read | Why Sri Lanka is keen on welcoming Russian oil

Following the controversy, Adani Group also issued a statement.

 “Our intent in investing in Sri Lanka is to address the needs of a valued neighbour. As a responsible corporate, we see this as a necessary part of the partnership that our two nations have always shared. We are clearly disappointed by the detraction that seems to have come about,” a spokesperson of the Adani group said.

“The fact is that the issue has already been addressed by and within the Sri Lankan Government,” the person added.