News

Entire coal procurement rigged, SJB charges minister over substandard fuel

Published

3 months ago

2026/02/22

Marikkar

The entire coal procurement process was rigged, the main Opposition SJB alleged in Parliament on Friday, accusing Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody of misleading the Cabinet and the National Procurement Committee to favour a supplier of substandard coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai.

Moving an adjournment debate on the energy crisis, SJB Colombo District MP S.M. Marikkar charged that the losses incurred from the importation of inferior coal must be fully computed and recovered from those responsible, including damage caused to machinery, additional power generation costs and environmental harm.

He said the SJB had exposed the issue both inside and outside Parliament, alleging that the Government was attempting to cover up large-scale irregularities in the 2026 coal procurement process.

Marikkar claimed that serious fraud, corruption and procedural violations had taken place from the outset. He pointed out that the standard 42-day procurement period had been curtailed to 21 days, thereby restricting competition and preventing many qualified companies from participating.

He further alleged that key eligibility criteria had been diluted, including the requirement that a supplier must have imported 500,000 metric tonnes of coal over the past three years. This threshold, he said, had been reduced to 100,000 metric tonnes to enable smaller firms to qualify.

According to the MP, despite instructions issued by the Committee on Public Finance and the Auditor General regarding the procurement process, the Minister had misled the Cabinet and the National Procurement Committee to deviate from the approved procedure in order to favour a particular company that subsequently supplied substandard coal.

Marikkar alleged that the first, third and fourth shipments had contained inferior coal, which had been mixed with existing higher-quality stocks and used at the Norochcholai plant. He said the resulting losses to the power generation system would far exceed the reported US$ 2 million fine imposed on the importer.

He also highlighted alleged irregularities in the tender process, claiming that the chairman of the tender board had withdrawn after decisions were taken and had failed to attend subsequent meetings.The MP further charged that the Government was attempting to justify impending power cuts by citing a purported shortage of coal.

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News

Opp. alleges CIABOC tool in govt.’s hands

Published

12 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.

Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.

Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.

Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.

Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)

News

Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism

Published

12 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.

The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.

Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.

News

Inclement weather: Kalutara District worst affected

Published

12 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.

DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..

One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.

The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.

The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.

Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.