Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala challenges the opposition to produce proof of any court conviction, as Parliament erupts over substandard coal imports and political accountability.
The Minister of Energy has not been convicted by any court, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala declared in Parliament yesterday during the adjournment debate on the controversial substandard coal import tender.
Challenging the opposition directly, Watagala said that if there is any court conviction against the Energy Minister, the relevant case number should be presented immediately. He stressed that political allegations must not replace legal facts.
Addressing the coal tender controversy, he explained that a technical issue had arisen during the procurement process. According to him, corrective steps have already been taken and compensation is being sought from the company involved. He insisted that the matter is being handled under proper legal and administrative procedures.
Watagala also stated that the law now applies equally to all, citing recent visits by prominent figures to investigative authorities as examples of accountability in action.
However, Samagi Jana Balavegaya MP Ajith P. Perera alleged that a labour tribunal had previously removed the Energy Minister from a post and that details were shared with the Bribery Commission.
Responding firmly, Watagala clarified that a labour tribunal decision is not a criminal court conviction and warned against spreading misleading propaganda.
