A bold political response challenges corruption claims while a nationwide probe promises to uncover the truth behind Sri Lanka’s controversial coal deals.
National People’s Power MP Chandana Suriyaarachchi has strongly denied allegations of a coal procurement scam, stating that no evidence of fraud has been established despite extensive scrutiny in both Parliament and the Committee on Public Enterprises. Speaking at a media briefing, he addressed growing political tension surrounding the issue and dismissed opposition claims as unproven.
He noted that although the opposition has repeatedly raised accusations of corruption in coal imports, the matter has already been debated for several hours in Parliament and examined in detail for more than six hours within the COPE Committee. Despite this level of investigation and public discussion, he emphasized that no conclusive proof has emerged to confirm any wrongdoing.
Suriyaarachchi further pointed out that during the no confidence motion brought against the subject Minister, 22 opposition MPs voiced their concerns and arguments. However, he stressed that none were able to present definitive evidence to establish that a coal scam had actually taken place, raising questions about the credibility of the allegations.
In response to public concern and ongoing political pressure, he revealed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a special Presidential Commission of Inquiry. The purpose of this commission is to remove doubt, ensure transparency, and conduct a formal legal investigation into the coal procurement process in Sri Lanka.
He invited both the opposition and the general public to present any form of evidence to the commission, including written documentation, oral testimony, or electronic records. According to him, this process will determine once and for all whether corruption or financial irregularities occurred within the system.
Importantly, he clarified that the scope of the investigation will not be limited to the current administration. Instead, the commission will examine all coal tenders and procurement activities dating back to 2009, signaling a broader effort to review long term governance and accountability in Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
He also highlighted that out of a total of 460 coal shipments imported over the years, only a very small number were handled under the current government. Of the 40 procurement related cases under discussion, he said that only one is directly linked to the present administration, suggesting that the majority of concerns may relate to previous periods.
Suriyaarachchi added that both the Minister in charge and the Secretary have temporarily stepped down from their positions. This move, he said, is intended to ensure an independent and transparent investigation while allowing authorities to proceed without interference.
He concluded by stating that the government remains committed to taking legal action against any individual found guilty based on the findings of the commission. According to him, the primary objective of the administration is to eliminate corruption and strengthen public trust through accountability and due process.
