Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that all five coal shipments, imported recently for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, in Norochcholai, were of substandard quality.

The remarks were made on Thursday during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development at the Parliament complex, which summoned senior officials from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), and the Lanka Coal Company to discuss the controversial coal imports.

Premadasa raised concerns over the tender process, highlighting a lack of transparency and deviations from the original procurement plan for the country’s key 900-megawatt power plant. He noted that although the order for 2,500 tonnes of coal was issued in April, deliveries were delayed due to the May monsoon season.

The Opposition Leader criticised the shortened tender timeline, which was reduced from the standard 42 days to just 21, and demanded that reports approving the tender, technical instructions, and conditions for both previous and current coal tenders be submitted to Parliament.

Premadasa also questioned the qualifications and experience of the suppliers selected by the government, asking whether responsibility for the nation’s primary electricity production had been entrusted to an unsuitable company.

He also emphasised the coal specifications, stating that the net NCP value should be 5,900 and requested reports if the supplied coal failed to meet that standard. Premadasa asked whether coal had been added to boilers before test results were received, whether samples had been sent to India for testing, and requested the corresponding reports.

In addition, he sought clarity on potential financial losses exceeding one million rupees, reductions in the annual coal requirement due to extra coal burning, and any boiler damage caused by substandard coal.

The Opposition Leader called for a full investigation into the tender process, including a forensic audit, noting that prior questioning through the Sectoral Oversight Committee had already highlighted deficiencies in procurement procedures.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington, D.C., welcomed the ‘Walk for Peace’ on 10 February 2026, as a group of Buddhist monks continued their walk across the United States advocating world peace. The initiative drew participation from people across the United States and abroad.

The Embassy joined a dana organised by the Sri Lankan community in the DMV area at the National United Methodist Church, where more than 200 Buddhist monks were present. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine was served at the event.

At the invitation of the District of Columbia Secretary Kimberly A. Bassett, Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe attended an interfaith ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. Thousands gathered at the Cathedral in support of the Walk. The Ambassador was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Madhuka Wickramarachchi.

The Head Priest and participating monks also visited the Embassy. During the visit, the Ambassador presented an Atapirikara and ceremonially pinned the Sri Lankan flag on the robe of Ven. Pannakara. Embassy staff and members of the Sri Lankan community offered flowers and extended greetings. The Embassy also distributed bottles of water to the participants.

The Parliamentary Committee on High Posts has approved the nominations of four Heads of Mission to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Kenya.The Committee granted approval for the appointment of Horana Mahawatte Gedara Saman Kumar Chandrasiri as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel.

The nomination of Mohamed Farook Mohamed Fawzer as Sri Lanka’s Representative to Palestine also received the Committee’s consent.

Warnakulasuriya Peter Rohan Dhammika Fernando was approved as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Kenya, while Anura Withanage secured approval as Ambassador to Lebanon.The approvals pave the way for the formal appointment of the four diplomats to their respective overseas missions.