Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today defended the government during the no-confidence debate on Energy Minister Kumar Jayakody, stating that the coal procurement controversy would not lead to power cuts or increased electricity tariffs for the public.
Speaking in Parliament, Jayatissa said the issue must be viewed in the context of coal procurement practices spanning more than 15 years, during which he claimed proper procurement procedures and quality testing mechanisms had not been adequately implemented.
He noted that since 2010, around 462 coal shipments had been imported for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, with billions of dollars spent over the years, adding that the present government was now working to establish a transparent procurement process and stronger quality checks.
The Minister further said the government was considering appointing a powerful, independent investigation committee to examine all 462 coal shipments imported since 2010.
“We, as a government, are moving towards a decision to appoint an empowered investigation committee to examine all 462 ships from 2010 and determine what exactly happened. We must also examine whether calculations were manipulated to favour certain companies and whether payments were made based only on load port reports while ignoring discharge port reports,” Jayatissa said.
He added that such an investigation would help identify past irregularities and strengthen the procurement system moving forward.
The Minister also said the government had already taken steps to recover losses arising from deviations in coal quality, noting that penalties amounting to approximately USD 17 million were being pursued from suppliers.
Jayatissa assured that the losses would not be passed on to the public and stressed that electricity tariffs would not be increased due to the issue. He also said there would be no power cuts, despite challenges such as lower water levels in reservoirs and rising global energy prices.
During his speech, Jayatissa also dismissed Opposition allegations of corruption against government ministers, making a pointed remark in Parliament.
“Even if you build Artemis 3, go to the moon, and land there to hunt for corruption allegations against this government’s ministers, you will not succeed,” Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
He added that the government was committed to correcting systemic weaknesses in coal procurement, investigating past irregularities, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the public and industries. (Newswire)