Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP D.V. Chanaka has publicly challenged Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to a televised debate over alleged corruption in a recent coal import tender.
Speaking in Parliament, MP Chanaka accused the government of engaging in corruption and fraud since the beginning of its term, revealing details of an alleged large-scale coal scam.
He claimed that substandard coal was imported into the country, resulting in financial losses, and said he would prove the transaction was “completely corrupt” if Minister Jayakody accepts the debate challenge.
The MP pointed out that according to reports, the government postponed the annual coal tender, typically held in April, to September this year.
Tests conducted at the Lakvijaya Power Plant showed that the calorific value of the first two coal shipments imported under the tender ranged between 5,600 and 5,800, below the minimum required value of 5,900 specified in the tender guidelines, he said.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of energy procurement and raised concerns about transparency in the coal import process. (Newswire)
