Bold accusations demand bold proof, says MP Lakmali Hemachandra, dismissing corruption claims over Sri Lanka’s coal tender as politically motivated noise rather than fact.
Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra has firmly rejected allegations of corruption surrounding the coal tender process conducted under the current government, insisting that claims of irregularities are unfounded and misleading. Speaking on the Wadapitiya programme on Derana Channel, she stressed that it is normal for coal shipments to vary in quality and that low quality alone cannot be used as evidence of corruption.
The MP said the government categorically denies accusations made by certain political parties, including claims that tender specifications were altered to benefit selected companies. According to her, the specifications used are identical to those applied in 2023 when Kanchana Wijesekera was the minister in charge, and no changes have been introduced under the National People’s Power government.
Explaining the tender procedure, Hemachandra addressed concerns over the reduction of the tender period from 42 days to 21 days. She said this change was implemented with the approval of the Procurement Commission and did not disadvantage any supplier. On the contrary, she noted that ten companies participated, marking the highest number of bidders in recent history. She also emphasized that no appeals or legal challenges have been filed against the process so far.
The MP pointed out that in the past, coal supply opportunities were often granted to a single company through cabinet papers, whereas the current administration has shifted to an open competitive tender system. She argued that false allegations often emerge from parties unable to secure tenders.
Challenging critics, Hemachandra said those alleging corruption must clearly identify which law was violated, who benefited, and who received commission money. While acknowledging that raising suspicions is a democratic right, she said serious accusations require credible evidence.
Addressing technical issues and reported losses, she explained that operational changes in generators and problems with existing coal stocks are sometimes inevitable when a new supplier is introduced. Such situations, she noted, have occurred before, including in 2007, and should not be misrepresented as fraud.
