The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has issued a strongly worded statement alleging large-scale corruption in the country’s coal import process, claiming that substandard coal purchases have resulted in significant financial losses.
According to the SJB, it had previously lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, but no meaningful action has been taken so far. The party criticized the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government for dismissing its allegations and attempting to conceal the issue.
Evidence and institutional findings
The SJB stated that multiple sources have exposed the alleged malpractice, including statements by a former chairman of the state coal company following his resignation, and findings presented before a parliamentary oversight committee on infrastructure and strategic development.
Further, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has reportedly highlighted major financial losses caused by the use of low-quality coal, while the Auditor General’s Department has identified irregularities spanning from the tender process to the importation stage.
Audio leak and criminal complaint
The controversy intensified following the release of an audio recording allegedly linked to an emergency coal procurement. The SJB claims that the authenticity of the recording has been acknowledged by the coal company’s chairman. The party has since filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), seeking an investigation into individuals named in the recording and their possible connections to the transactions.
The SJB also alleged undisclosed dealings between influential businessmen and members of the current administration, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, suggesting that the coal deal is part of a broader pattern of misconduct.
Government response and resignation
The party criticized the government’s response, describing recent developments — including the resignation of Power Minister Kumara Jayakody and a ministry secretary — as attempts to divert public attention from the issue.
According to the SJB, these actions amount to “dramatic performances” aimed at obscuring the financial damage caused by the importation of substandard coal.
Call for accountability
The SJB maintains that responsibility for the alleged corruption lies not only with the subject minister but also with the President and the entire Cabinet, arguing that the process originated at the tender stage.
The party further accused 153 members of the NPP in Parliament of protecting the former Power Minister during a recent vote, claiming this action undermined public trust.
Reaffirming its stance, the SJB announced plans to pursue legal action over the losses incurred, emphasizing its commitment to holding those responsible accountable and challenging what it describes as systemic corruption within the current government.
Leave a comment