Sri Lanka’s political stage has erupted in controversy as Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody faces mounting allegations of financial fraud, irregular tenders, and misconduct, raising questions about the government’s pledge to end corruption.
The Frontline Socialist Party held a special press conference in Nugegoda to address the growing political crisis in the country, focusing heavily on accusations against Minister Kumara Jayakody. The party’s Education Secretary, Pubudu Jayagoda, pointed out that allegations of financial fraud and irregularities in tender processes have long surrounded the minister.
He revealed that when Kumara Jayakody was employed at the Fertilizer Corporation, a disciplinary investigation was launched against him for the misappropriation of Rs. 8 million. The investigation concluded with a guilty verdict, and the board of directors at that time decided to demote him. Despite this history, Jayagoda stressed that the government has so far failed to act decisively as public outrage grows.
The controversy deepened when Minister Jayakody admitted during a Rupavahini program that he had been found guilty in court in a case related to financial fraud. Jayagoda reminded the public that this government came to power on the promise of ending a culture of corruption, repeatedly assuring that no individual accused or convicted of financial misconduct would hold office. However, he argued that the appointment of Jayakody as a chief cabinet minister directly contradicts those promises.
Jayagoda criticized the government for operating with secrecy, avoiding transparency in both policies and agreements. He highlighted that the government failed to present agreements signed with India to Parliament and accused Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of being unable to clearly define her planned education reforms. He compared the reforms to a concoction of past policies from Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, ridiculing the government’s lack of clarity and direction.
He added that the handling of Minister Jayakody further erodes public trust. The National People’s Power came to office on the moral stance of not rewarding individuals linked to corruption, but Jayakoda claimed that this principle has now collapsed. The people are waiting for the Bribery Commission to confirm whether a case has been filed against Jayakody, and the government must ensure that the investigation proceeds without political interference.
Jayagoda also attacked Jayakody’s recent political behavior. He accused him of enabling the eventual privatization of the Ceylon Electricity Board through his role in passing the Electricity Act. He ridiculed Jayakody for his statements in Mannar, where he claimed that there were no birds, despite Mannar being known as a haven for migratory species. Jayagoda reminded the public of previous blunders, such as Jayakody’s exaggerated explanations during power cuts, which turned him into what he described as a “political joke.”
In light of these concerns, Jayagoda urged the government to act swiftly. He stated that allowing Jayakody to remain in the cabinet is a serious mistake and called for his immediate removal. He emphasized the need for a formal, impartial investigation to restore public faith in governance.
