Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka today accused Indian media for publishing false reports claiming Sri Lanka was to get help from Pakistan in developing a nuclear power plant in Sampur, Trincomalee.
The report that was published on July 24 in Indian Today website claimed that it was Pakistan’s ‘grand design’ to influence the island with the active backing of China.
“We have taken no decision whatsoever to build any nuclear power plant in the island nor did we have any discussions with any foreign government with plans to build one. What India Today had published was a complete lie,” Minister Ranawaka told a news conference.
Mr. Ranawaka stressed it was important for the media to act with responsibility by not publishing false reports such as the above – especially at a time when the Pakistani Foreign Minister was visiting the country.
Mr. Ranawaka said there were long term plans to develop energy supply in areas such as Colombo, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Hambantota in the future but they did not need anyone’s permission for development.
“We don not want anyone’s permission for development. Our plans of development are based on our nation’s interest,” Mr. Ranawaka said. The minister said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Indian National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) held discussions aimed at building a 500 megawatt power plant in Sampur.
By Nishan Casseem
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
