Mon Mar 24 05:10:46 UTC 2025: ## Former Sri Lankan President Criticizes Halt of Adani Renewable Energy Project

**Colombo, Sri Lanka –** Sri Lanka’s former President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has sharply criticized the current government for halting a major renewable energy project with Indian conglomerate Adani. In a televised discussion on March 22nd, Wickremesinghe condemned the decision to renegotiate the $400 million Mannar wind power project, warning it could negatively impact future Indian investments.

Adani Green Energy withdrew from the project in February after the new government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, deemed the agreed-upon tariffs too high. The government claimed to have received bids offering electricity at half the price Adani proposed (8.26 US cents per unit). Wickremesinghe, who initiated the project during his tenure, argued that the renegotiation is illogical and undermines his efforts to foster stronger economic ties with India, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and trade.

Wickremesinghe’s comments are particularly significant given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Sri Lanka in early April. He emphasized the importance of continuing economic cooperation with India for Sri Lanka’s recovery from its ongoing economic crisis. He also highlighted the critical role of the IMF program and the need for successful debt restructuring, dependent on IMF guarantees. The former President urged the current government to continue the economic policies implemented during his administration to alleviate the country’s ongoing economic difficulties. He took office amidst a severe economic crisis, successfully securing an IMF program to stabilize the nation’s economy.

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