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)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka has alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissananayake has sued the Police Department to gather crowds for the public rally organized in Tangalle on November 20.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Chanaka read excerpts from a letter allegedly sent to the Police divisional heads on gathering crowds for the event. 

“They have no way of gathering crowds, as the public is against the government. The DIG in charge of the area has issued a letter to every division head, including Galle and Matara, on how to gather the public,” he said.

MP Chanaka went on to reveal that per the letter, the Tangalle Police has been instructed to bring 397 people, the Beliatta Police 420, the Walasmulla Police 360, the Weeraketiya Police 414, the Middeniya Police 246, the Anugunukolapelessa Police 264, the Kirinda Police 36, the Harbour Police 36, and the Tissamaharama Police 198 people. 

“This is a different way to gather a crowd. There is written evidence. The Police are in a troubled situation. Are the Police here to bow down to politicians and gather crowds for their events?” he questioned.

MP Chanaka further challenged the government to deny the allegation, adding that he will make the document public if they do so. (Newswire) 

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D. V. Chanaka has been appointed as the new National Convenor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), while Johnston Fernando has been tasked with the appointment of new grassroots and district level leaders.

The decisions were announced during a meeting of the SLPP Executive Council and Politburo, held at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence in Colombo.

The meeting was attended by Rajapaksa, party’s chairman Ven. Uthurawala Dhammarathana Thero, General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando, Sanjeewa Edirimanne, and C.B. Ratnayake. (Newswire)

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Former Minister D. V. Chanaka has accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of destroying the Tangalle Municipal Grounds by conducting a political rally.

Addressing the media, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member said the Tangalle Municipal Grounds was the biggest grounds in the area and a public asset.

He further said that the President’s first political rally had completely destroyed the grounds, making it unusable for at least two months. 

“All political parties, including the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, had previously come to a common consensus on not providing the grounds for any political events. The Municipal Council had also introduced legislation that Rs. 3.9 million must be deposited if the grounds were to be used for any purpose,” he revealed. 

D. V. Chanaka accused the President of misusing his powers and using the Tangalle Municipal Grounds without paying the required Rs. 3.9 million deposit.

“No vehicles are allowed into the grounds. But the President’s vehicle had been allowed as a result of which the ground has now become a muddy area. It is estimated that a damage of Rs. 2 million to 2.5 million has been sustained,” he said.

The former MP also revealed that school children use the grounds for cricket training, but are unable to do so and are facing severe inconvenience as inter-school cricket tournaments have commenced. 

He further questioned the Prime Minister and Sports Minister Harini Amarasuriya how she had agreed to the destruction of this public grounds.  

D.V. Chanaka also urged the President, together with his National Pwoples’ Power (NPP) party, to restore the grounds with party funds. (Newswire) 

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State Minister D.V. Chanaka has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa can win the Presidential Election, as he enters the contest with 35% of votes in hand.

Addressing the media, State Minister Chanaka said only three key candidates are contesting the election, which includes SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa. 

“Apart from the three main candidates, the fourth candidate will secure around 15% of votes, while the remaining will obtain around 5% of votes. This leaves the leading three candidates with 80% of the votes,” he said. 

State Minister Chanaka pointed out that under such a scenario, the President can be elected with just 35% of the votes. 

Stating that SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa is entering the contest with 35% of votes already in hand, the State Minister said he is supported by those who believe in the Mahinda Chinthanaya policies. 

“The speciality of Namal Rajapaksa is that he already has 23% of votes in hand. However, he is strengthened by the votes of those who believe in Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Mahinda Chinthanaya policies, which accounts for 35% of votes,” he said. 

State Minister D.V. Chanaka emphasized that, therefore, along with the existing 35% votes, if MP Namal Rajapaksa obtained another 300,000 to 400,000 votes, he could easily be elected the President of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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