LNG plant tender: German envoy questions transparency, openness

29 June 2018 06:24 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Stepping into the controversy surrounding the award of the tender for the Kerawalapitiya LNG power plant to a higher bidder, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jorn Rohde yesterday questioned the “transparency” and “openness” of the entire tender procedure.

The government has proposed to build a 300 Megawatt LNG power plant (Liquefied Natural Gas) in Kerawalapitiya.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror on the issue, he said there were a lot of questions in this case as the Procurement Appeal Board reversed the original decision to award the tender to the lowest bidder- LTL Holdings that uses German technology.

“The Power and Energy Ministry Secretary is quoted in the Daily Mirror with a pledge to have open and transparent tender procedures. Sri Lanka needs to have an open and transparent tender process. I think there are a lot of questions, especially in this case. The lowest bidder was unanimously selected. That is LTL Holding (Lakdhanavi) using German technology. Suddenly, the Procurement Appeal Board reversed the decision. The questions raised, I am told, have all been answered in the selection process at Standing Cabinet Appointed Committee (SCAP) and at the Technical Evaluation Committee.

Only when an open and fair tender procedure is guaranteed, Sri Lanka will be an attractive place for Investors. Germany recently opened a trade office here. Also, I see it as a test case whether the Sri Lankan government claim to be a hub in South Asia is more than rhetoric.

Also in Germany, these procedures are observed with close attention. I appealed to the government to guarantee that tender procedures are respected,” he said.

It is learnt that Lakdhanavi is seeking a US$ 330 million loan for the project from Germany-based KfW Development Bank. The project is to be implemented by that company using German technology if the tender is granted. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 24

Be Fair Friday, 29 June 2018 06:29 AM

Germany suffered a Shock World Cup exit. I hope you don't in this "Land Like No Other"

Dhammika Saturday, 30 June 2018 11:10 AM

Sports ( FOOTBALL ) HAS NOTHING to do with this LNG project

lion Friday, 29 June 2018 06:52 AM

Please investigate the German ambassadors claim thoroughly and protect the name of yahapalanaya. Get to the bottom of this. The rouges are in both sides either it may be UNP or SLFP.Expose those parasites as it was done in the case of bond scam. We wouldn't have heard these things under mara.

SL Friday, 29 June 2018 06:55 AM

LTL must be awarded with this project.we can save lots of forieng currency without pumping them out

Missaka Friday, 29 June 2018 07:18 AM

Can have Transparency, if committee members consists from opposition parties too in addition to the Technical personnel.

Horosamagaheluwen Friday, 29 June 2018 07:23 AM

If this has happened in Germany, England or any other part of civilised world, by now the Minister responsible would have been resigned and those who involved the fraud are arrested and prosecuted. But the buggers are sitting and walking comfortably as nothing has happened and waiting for next catch. Only, German Envoy is speaking on behalf of Sri Lanka taxpayers.

Summa Friday, 29 June 2018 07:46 AM

Well said Sir. Our political leeches are corrupted to the core. What you said or any other says will go to deaf ears.

Jude Friday, 29 June 2018 08:16 AM

Hey transparency and openness does not exist in SL !! Huh!!!

Hertz Friday, 29 June 2018 08:22 AM

We, Sri Lankans are not yet fortunate enough to experience German technology. Our politicians still want to give us crappy technology so that they can pocket a big sum.

Sam Friday, 29 June 2018 08:25 AM

With the best will in the world you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Gamaya Friday, 29 June 2018 08:32 AM

Yahapalanaya over flows!!!

Asoka Friday, 29 June 2018 08:39 AM

Look who is talking! Germans are more corrupt than anyone in the entire world! M.R. Ambassador how about you put your house in order before you comment on other countries?First The emission scandal where one of your leading companies repeatedly manipulated emissions on Volkswagen diesel cars to pass regulations? How about your leading Bank Deutsche Bank manipulating the mortgage market in the US? Both instances both companies were found guilty and had to pay millions of Dollars in fines. So please don’t preach your nonsense to other countries.

Ranja Friday, 29 June 2018 04:14 PM

Yes, you are right but it did not change the facts here. The EU is devoured by German Banks and they are the commanders in Brussels .But the Yahapalana Yama duthas are the same. Look at our PM who started the bond scam and play innocent while talking about Westminster values!!! HA HA HA

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 29 June 2018 08:45 AM

Dear Ambassador, as long as their is a Sinhalese race in Sri Lanka corruption, thuggery, criminality will be part and parcel of culture.

Kumar Friday, 29 June 2018 09:25 AM

You Germans like all other European countries are trying to dictate to us, how we must conduct our business affairs. But the Americans under President Trump are treating your countries in Europe like American colonies and you all remain tight lipped about it because you are powerless in front of the Americans.

Hans perlee Friday, 29 June 2018 09:34 PM

get your facts in order and don't talk bullshit.

Vila Friday, 29 June 2018 09:25 AM

When everyone is focus on MR s USD 6.7m from China, these yahapalanaya has pickpoketing billions from LNG tender. They create some media sensation to make big corrupted deals some where else.

Payphone Friday, 29 June 2018 09:28 AM

Well said John! Don't let any European companies to invest until the government is transperant.

Ceylon Friday, 29 June 2018 02:49 PM

Sri lanka is now a garbage country worse than pakistan and african corrupt countries.no one offer any respect to srilankan government as well as people.sad for honest people in lanka.they also have the same label as thieves.

Manel Friday, 29 June 2018 04:49 PM

On the one hand when crooked things happen the countries giving aid tend to be inquisitive.The aid receiver too should manage the aid efficiently.During MR era things were done to advantage of royal family.My question is why were the aid givers silent then.

Sheri Friday, 29 June 2018 09:09 PM

Dear Ambassador, as long as there are racists who undermine the country but still continue to live happily, criminality will be part and parcel of their culture.

Dhammika Saturday, 30 June 2018 11:21 AM

On the Mahaweli project then Prez. JRJ went to the EU and requested the project to be done by Europe without giving a red cent as our politicians then will cheat and rob . During JRJ tenture as Prez , Mahaweli a 30 year long project was completed in 7 years by reputed European companies with out SL getting in to any DEBT which we in SL still enjoy . Thank you late Hon . JRJ your lessons are NOT yet learnt by our politicians SADLY .!

Microscope Saturday, 30 June 2018 11:58 AM

Please do the correct thing in all procedures including tenders,you can't blame the former Government for everything,doing more mistakes than them,or sometimes,may expect more santhosam to be increased.Please adhere to the Europe system dealings.No hankey pankey any more in Sri Lanka,in time comes the youngereducated generation chase you away.

Roger Dubai Sunday, 01 July 2018 01:47 PM

Lakdhanavi and LTL are corrupt companies owned by few individuals who tactically took over the CEB assets to form it. This ambassador might be talking for them with some kind of personal gains in the future. Same Chinese method.

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LNG plant tender: German envoy questions transparency, openness

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