Former minister G. L. Peiris on Thursday (09) called for the resignation of Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody over the alleged substandard coal import issue.
Representing a group of opposition members, Peiris made this statement at a special media conference held today (9) in Colombo.
Peiris also said the minister should step down, adding that if he fails to do so, the government must intervene to remove him from office.
He said a no-confidence motion against Jayakody is scheduled to be taken up in Parliament on Friday (10), while noting that the government has argued the incident occurred prior to the minister assuming office.
Peiris rejected claims that the matter is not serious, stating that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has indicated there is sufficient evidence related to the incident, which he said took place when Jayakody held an executive position at a state institution. (Newswire)