Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has challenged National Peoples Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a debate on the latter’s allegations concerning power projects in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Parliament yesterday, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns over the various power projects in Sri Lanka, including the recently approved solar power project in Kilinochchi.

Questioning why open tenders were not issued to the various power projects, such as fuel, coal, and solar power, MP Dissanayake also alleged major financial corruption concerning the newly approved 700 MW solar power plant at Poonakary Lake in Kilinochchi.

The NPP Leader called on Minister Kanchana Wijesekera to provide an explanation on the concerns raised in this regard. Responding to the MP, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera today challenged MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake for an open debate.

MP Dissanayake accepted the challenge stating that JVP member Wasantha Samarasinghe would represent him at the debate as the minister had previously levelled allegations against the latter as well.

Responding to MP Dissanayake, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, however, said he would only participate in the debate if it is faced by MP Dissanayake.

The minister said he will not participate in a debate that is represented by Wasantha Samarasinghe and that he too could send in a trade union leader, adding that he wishes to face MP Dissanayake.