By The Pulseline News Desk
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating Sri Lanka’s coal transactions has reportedly identified 18 senior officials, including former Energy Minister Engineer Kumara Jayakody, as being linked to alleged improper actions in connection with coal deals.
The Commission has informed the individuals of the allegations and given them an opportunity to make further submissions in response.
The development marks a significant stage in the ongoing investigation, as the Commission moves beyond gathering evidence and statements to giving officials identified during the inquiry an opportunity to respond to matters raised against them.
Those summoned include ministry secretaries and senior officials of the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, among others. The group had appeared before the Commission on Tuesday (29) following formal notifications issued by the inquiry body.
The individuals have also been informed that they may present their responses through legal counsel within one week, according to sources.
370 statements recorded
The Commission is examining coal procurement and related transactions involving different levels of officials and other parties connected to the process.
As part of the investigation, the Commission has so far recorded 370 statements from 204 individuals, according to information released by the inquiry body.
Among those questioned was the Accountant of the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai, whose statement was recorded in relation to the coal transactions.
The large number of statements gathered indicates the breadth of the inquiry, which has involved individuals from various levels of the institutions connected to coal procurement and the operation of the power plant.
Officials given opportunity to respond
The latest notices do not, by themselves, amount to a final finding of wrongdoing against the 18 individuals. Rather, the Commission has provided them with an opportunity to address the allegations and matters arising from the evidence collected during its investigation.
Their submissions could therefore form part of the Commission’s further consideration of the evidence before reaching any conclusions.
The inquiry comes amid continued scrutiny of the procurement and management of coal supplies for Sri Lanka’s largest coal-fired power generation facility at Norochcholai.
With hundreds of statements already recorded and senior officials now being asked to respond to specific allegations, the investigation is entering a stage where evidence gathered from different sources is being examined against the actions and decisions of those involved in the coal procurement process.
The Commission’s eventual findings are expected to determine whether the alleged irregularities had occurred, who was responsible for any wrongdoing and what further action, if any, should follow.
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