The Energy Minister, Kumara Jayakody, is facing calls for his resignation from figures including Namal Rajapaksa and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), following his indictment in the High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for alleged corruption dating back to 2016.
[UPDATE] Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa further emphasized that while ministers are now admitting to importing substandard coal, the financial burden of this loss will ultimately fall on the public. He questioned the ruling National People's Power (NPP) government's commitment to its anti-corruption pledges, highlighting the Energy Minister's indictment and asserting that the Minister should resign without waiting for opposition demands.
This comes amidst a broader controversy surrounding recent coal procurement, with allegations of substandard coal imports. While National People's Power (NPP) MP Chandana Sooriyarachchi denied fraud, he confirmed that some recent coal shipments had lower calorie content than approved. Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka further alleged that the coal contract was awarded to a company linked to an Indian individual, Sarath Reddy, reportedly involved in liquor rackets and political bribes. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has connected these alleged corrupt deals to recent electricity tariff increases and reduced generation at the Norochcholai Lakvijaya power plant.
[UPDATE] Premadasa specifically highlighted that the Norochcholai power plant generated 147 megawatts less electricity yesterday, attributing this to the use of substandard coal which he stated has dealt a severe blow to the nation's energy security.
Adding to the growing concerns, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed that proposals have been put forward to increase electricity tariffs by another 50%. He linked this potential increase to the ongoing coal crisis and the alleged large-scale corruption and fraud associated with it, emphasizing the severe economic pressure already faced by the public. Jayasekara also mentioned that those responsible, from the President to the Cabinet, could be held accountable under the Public Property Act, the Penal Code, and the Anti-Corruption Act for any losses incurred by the government.
Meanwhile, Patali Champika Ranawaka, leader of the United Republican Front, warned that power cuts are imminent due to the coal fraud, a statement made at a joint opposition press conference on April 1st. He further claimed that the government is attempting to attribute potential power cuts to a drought, rather than the coal scandal. Ranawaka also confirmed that electricity tariffs increased today, April 1st, directly attributing both the tariff hike and the impending power cuts to the coal fraud.
[UPDATE] Adding a new dimension to the controversy, the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to launch an investigation into the coal imported for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya power plant and its operations. COPE Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samarawera announced that the investigation will commence on April 9th, with the heads of the Lakvijaya power plant, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the coal company summoned to appear before the committee. Dr. Samarawera emphasized the need for the country to know the true situation, citing various inaccurate reports circulating about the power plant's operations.