Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera accused National People's Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of evading a debate on allegations raised against the power and energy sector. In a press conference held earlier, Wijesekera expressed frustration, asserting that Dissanayake was backing away from the open debate originally agreed upon.

Wijesekera, addressing reporters, stated, "Anura Kumara Dissanayake leveled various allegations in Parliament about the power and energy sector. I invited him for an open debate, and he accepted. Now, his party says they will nominate someone else from the party. There is no point in debating with a nominee from the party. In that case, we can also appoint a nominee. However, I would like to renew my challenge."

The Minister offered a compromise by suggesting that Dissanayake could participate with a nominee from the NPP, while he would appear alone from his side. Wijesekera emphasized his readiness to engage in this open debate even during the year-end holidays, highlighting the importance of addressing the concerns raised by Dissanayake in a transparent and public forum.