The Frontline Socialist Party has warned of a looming electricity crisis, accusing the government of manipulating Sri Lanka’s coal tender process to benefit private interests, risking coal shortages, inflated costs, and nationwide power cuts.
The Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) has issued a stark warning that Sri Lanka may soon face a coal shortage and an electricity crisis due to serious irregularities in the government’s coal tender process.
Speaking at a press conference in Nugegoda, FLSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda said the tender had violated national procurement guidelines, which require six weeks for submissions. Instead, only three weeks were allowed, effectively narrowing the field and allegedly favoring pre-selected bidders.
“There has been a big talk in society these days about irregularities in issuing coal tenders. The opposition is spreading a story that the chairman of the opposition-linked coal company resigned because he could not tolerate such fraud. But we think that he cannot be relieved of responsibility just because he resigned. Therefore, investigations should definitely be launched against him,” Jayagoda said.
He further explained that under normal procedures, tenders are issued between February and March, evaluated by July, and the first shipment of coal arrives in September. This year, however, the process was delayed until August, meaning shipments are unlikely to arrive until November.
“This delay could create a coal shortage. If coal has to be purchased urgently at higher prices, electricity consumers will bear the burden through higher bills. If there is also a reduction in rainfall in October and November, the country may face power cuts,” Jayagoda warned.
He alleged that the delay benefits private diesel power plant operators and claimed there was a hidden plan to award the coal tender to Panacape, a company linked to businessman Ruwan Fernando. According to Jayagoda, Fernando, who was previously appointed Hilton chairman, is also connected to Maylin, a controversial company once tied to the Rajapaksa family.
“This is not only a case of corruption but also a betrayal of political ethics. The government is risking the country’s entire electricity system just to enrich one individual. The authorities must immediately clarify this issue,” Jayagoda stressed.
