Signing LNG agreement would be detrimental to SL: Wimal

COLOMBO (News 1st); Although the cancellation of an agreement would affect the country, signing them could  prove to be even more detrimental, says Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Expressing his views regarding the controversial LNG agreement with US Company New Fortress Energy Inc. after an event in Horana on Thursday (16), Minister Weerawansa stated that according to the original cabinet paper, it must be approved by the Cabinet even after signing the agreement, however,  the Cabinet has not granted its approval as of yet.

When the Supreme Court examines a petition, it has the right to issue an order against it if it affects the country as a whole, despite of the fact that the agreement has been signed or not, he added.

When inquired as to whether the cancellation of the agreement would affect the country, the Minister of Industries stated that signing such agreement would prove to be even more detrimental towards the country.

However, the Minister did not criticize the relevant agreement at the Parliament, and voted in favor of the Budget.

Responding to this, the Minister said that the Yugadanavi agreement will not be passed despite the Budget being passed at the Parliament, and pointed out that those who make up stories are politicians who act like children.

In response to Journalists questioning whether the Minister is taking the former President Maithripala Sirisena's side, the Minister told the Journalist to "get yourself a pair of spectacles" if it appears so.