"We have taken no decision whatsoever to build any nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka nor did we have any discussions with foreign government on proposed plans to build one"
Dismissing Indian media reports on Sri Lanka seeking help from Pakistan to develop a nuclear power plant in Sampur, Trincomalee, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday said the claim is an absolute falsehood as no such move has even been thought of.
"We have taken no decision whatsoever to build any nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka nor did we have any discussions with foreign government on proposed plans to build one", he said at a news conference in Colombo.
The actual fact is that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Indian National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) discussed the possibility of collaboration in building a 500 megawatt power plant in Sampur, the Minister noted.
Ranawaka said long-term plans to develop energy resources in Colombo, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Hambantota are based purely on the nation’s interest.
"The media should act responsibly without publishing baseless reports", he said.
(Island)