Old procurement charges and a past disciplinary ruling have reignited a political storm, raising fresh questions about accountability, cabinet appointments, and coal tender controversies in Sri Lanka.
Kumara Jayakody’s “unproven” allegations in Parliament are answered
It is confirmed that he is guilty of corruption in the Fertilizer Corporation.
Allegations raised in Parliament on the 20th have triggered renewed scrutiny over the past conduct of Minister of Power and Energy Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody. During the session, claims were made that he had committed financial irregularities in connection with the laying of carpets at the Hunupitiya Central Warehouse Complex of the Lanka Fertilizer Corporation during 2014 to 2015. Jayakody challenged the government to substantiate the accusations with documentary evidence.
At the time of the incident, Jayakody served as Procurement and Import Manager of the Fertilizer Corporation. An internal investigation report relating to the matter was later submitted to the Board of Directors on February 21, 2019.
Charge 01 related to causing a loss of Rs. 8,859,708 to the corporation due to failure to follow contract conditions No. 51.01 during the carpet procurement process, including issues concerning advance payment guarantees and alleged irresponsibility in execution.
Charge 02 alleged that he acted adversely to the company by failing to extend the initial contract period and by not requesting an extension of the contractor’s bank guarantee when necessary.
Charge 03 concerned the failure to obtain a 5 percent performance bond within 28 days after completion of the contract, constituting a breach of procurement documentation conditions linked to charges 1 and 2.
Charge 04 noted that the performance bond of Rs. 2,214,927 was maintained at the People’s Bank branch in Yakkala from February 6, 2014 to May 5, 2014, while the work completion date was May 10, 2014, raising concerns about oversight during that period.
Charge 05 alleged neglect of duty, bringing the office into disrepute, and acting contrary to employee disciplinary rules in connection with the above charges.
These are five charges in total.
According to the investigation findings cited, Jayakody was found guilty of two of the five charges and was subjected to disciplinary action. However, critics claim that the matter did not result in long-term political consequences.
The controversy has deepened with claims that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake later exempted him from certain penalties, effectively clearing the path for cabinet appointment. While such claims remain politically contested, opposition voices argue that the episode raises questions about governance standards and ministerial accountability.
The debate now intersects with broader concerns surrounding procurement reform, particularly in relation to the coal tender process and allegations of importing substandard coal. Observers note that transparency in public procurement, contract compliance, and disciplinary enforcement are central to restoring public confidence.
With Parliament once again debating the issue, the episode has become part of a larger political narrative about corruption allegations, cabinet appointments, and state procurement oversight in Sri Lanka’s energy and fertilizer sectors.
