Former Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, on Tuesday (30) appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into coal transactions and gave a statement lasting nearly two hours. 

According to reports, Commission officials confirmed that he was extensively questioned on coal procurement and related activities.

Jayakody resigned from his ministerial post on April 17 to ensure the inquiry could proceed independently, though he continues to serve as a Member of Parliament. He was appointed Minister of Energy in November 2024.

The Commission, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga and appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is tasked with investigating alleged irregularities in coal imports since 2009. Other members include Court of Appeal Justice Adithya Patabendige  and High Court Justice Sanjeewa Somaratne.

According to Commission Secretary D.V. Bandulasena, more than 100 statements have already been recorded from over 60 officials, including current and former Secretaries of the Ministry of Energy. The Commission has received 28 complaints, with evidence hearings scheduled to begin on July 3.

Officials also carried out an inspection of the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant earlier this month. 

Meanwhile, a report submitted to the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Public Utilities stated that substandard coal shipments had caused losses of around Rs. 8.49 billion. 

Committee Chairman MP S.M. Marikkar said the report highlighted excessive ash content and alleged that fines had not yet been collected.

Coal transactions have become a subject of heated debate both inside and outside Parliament, with the Commission expected to summon several other former ministers for questioning in the coming weeks. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has scheduled the trial of former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, who faces corruption charges filed by the Bribery Commission, to begin on June 17.

The case was taken up today (06) before High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela, who concluded the pre‑trial conference and announced the trial date.

The Judge also ordered that summons be issued to two prosecution witnesses to appear before the court on the same day.

According to the Bribery Commission, the charges stem from Jayakody’s tenure in 2016 as Manager of the Production and Imports Division of the Lanka Fertilizer Company. 

He is accused of causing a loss of Rs. 8,859,708 to the government by awarding a contract to a private company for carpet installation within the company’s warehouse premises. (Newswire)

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Anura Karunathilake officially assumed duties today (21) as Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Energy at the Ministry of Energy.

Former Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, who was present at the occasion, extended his congratulations to the incoming minister. 

In a statement, Jayakody said he urged all officials and staff connected with the ministry to extend their fullest cooperation to Minister Karunathilake in carrying out his responsibilities.

Karunathilake’s appointment follows Jayakody’s resignation last week to allow a transparent investigation into the controversial coal procurement process. (Newswire)

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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) member M.A. Sumanthiran has welcomed the voluntary resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over the substandard coal procurement scandal, but strongly criticized the government and National People’s Power (NPP) members of Parliament for defending him and voting to retain him in office.

In a statement on ‘X’, former MP Sumanthiran noted that it was unacceptable that the government and NPP MPs continued to shield him despite the administration itself conceding that the coal imported was below standard.

“The resignation of the Minister must be lauded; but in the same breath, the government and NPP members of Parliament must be condemned for defending him and voting to retain him as Minister even after the government itself conceded that the coal was in fact substandard,” Sumanthiran said.

He further pointed out that Jayakody is also facing a separate indictment by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in another case, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in governance.

Kumara Jayakody stepped down from his ministerial portfolio of Energy yesterday (17) to ensure a transparent investigation by the newly appointed special Presidential Commission into the substandard coal procurement. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has sharply criticized the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, calling it “a bit too late” in the wake of the massive coal procurement scandal.

Rajapaksa noted that Parliament had already spent an entire day debating a No Confidence Motion against Jayakody, only for all National People’s Power (NPP) MPs to vote against it. 

He argued that this amounted to ignoring and effectively supporting the corruption allegations tied to the coal deal, which has cost the country millions of rupees.

“The Minister’s resignation does not cover up or compensate the people for the money already lost. Ultimately, it is the consumer who bears the brunt of this massive scam,” Rajapaksa said in a statement posted on X.

He further questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would take responsibility for appointing Jayakody to such a powerful portfolio despite his history of corruption allegations. 

Rajapaksa pointed out that the President continued to defend Jayakody even after the Board of Inquiry (BoI) commenced a probe into the scandal.

“The President should be held directly responsible for the coal scam, which has cost consumers heavily, as he protected Jayakody for over a year, even after the scandal was exposed,” Rajapaksa asserted.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody tendered his resignation yesterday (17) to allow a transparent investigation into the substandard coal imports by a special Presidential Commission appointed by the President. (Newswire)

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No investigation has confirmed that former Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody was involved in any corruption related to the substandard coal imports, Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

Addressing a special media briefing held today (17), Minister Herath said the report by the Auditor General has confirmed that Kumara Jayakody was not involved in any corruption. 

He further said that the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) has also determined no irregularities related to the substandard coal imports. 

During the debate on the No- Confidence Motion against Kumara Jayakody in parliament, no views were expressed referring to corruption linked to Kumara Jayakody. 

Minister Herath noted that a special Presidential Commission has been established to probe the substandard coal imports to expedite the investigations. 

He went on to say that Kumara Jayakody stepped down from his ministerial portfolio today to ensure a transparent investigation. 

Minister Herath also assured that there will be no conflict between the probe conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the special Presidential Committee.

He further urged the public, media personnel, and opposition MPs with information on irregularities regarding the substandard coal imports to contact and inform the special Presidential Commission, to assist in the probe. (Newswire)

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Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has resigned from his position with immediate effect, according to an official letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In his resignation letter dated April 17, 2026, Jayakody stated that his decision comes in the context of ongoing investigations related to coal procurement and recent steps taken to appoint a presidential commission of inquiry and involve the Criminal Investigation Department in examining imports since 2009.

He said he supports the government’s anti-corruption efforts and the push for transparent governance, and stressed that the truth will be revealed through the ongoing investigations.

Jayakody also noted that he is stepping down to ensure the probe can continue independently and without any potential influence, adding that he is prepared to accept any findings that emerge from the inquiry.

He expressed gratitude for the support he received in Parliament during a recent no-confidence motion and reaffirmed his commitment to a clean political culture and the government’s broader reform agenda.

Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, who also tendered his resignation in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (17), echoed similar sentiments, stating that his resignation was necessary to avoid obstructing the forthcoming investigations and to guarantee their credibility.

The Presidential Media Division has confirmed receipt of the resignation letters. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has assured the public that any scheduled power cuts will be announced prior to implementation, stressing that the government will only disrupt electricity supply under planned circumstances.

Responding to concerns raised by SJB MP Mujibur Rahman over sudden outages in Colombo and other areas lasting up to two hours, Minister Jayakody explained that the recent interruptions were not scheduled cuts but power failures.

“There are certain disruptions to the electricity supply, which is not a new development. There are projects underway to further strengthen this system. Accordingly, there are power outages at times, where we work to restore power immediately,” he said, stressing that these are outages and not scheduled power cuts. 

Minister Jayakody stressed that measures are underway to reinforce the power sector and minimize disruptions, while assuring that the public will be notified in advance if scheduled cuts become necessary.

He added that the opposition’s line of questioning was intended to mislead the public. (Newswire)

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The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided that the Parliament of Sri Lanka will convene on April 7, 9, and 10, during which several Acts and the No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, are to be taken up. 

According to a Parliament statement, this decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee held on March 19 under the chairmanship of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Accordingly, on all three sitting days, the time from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allocated for Business of Parliament as per Standing Order 22(1) to (6) of the Parliament. The time from 10.00 am to 11.00 am has been allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, and from 11.00 am to 11.30 am for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

• Agenda for Tuesday, 7th April, 2026:

From 11.30 am to 4.45 pm, Regulations under the Convention Against Doping in Sports Act, Regulations under the Strategic Development Projects Act, and Rules under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act are scheduled to be taken up for debate.

Furthermore, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill and the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill, which were presented to Parliament for First Reading on 17th March 2026, are scheduled for Second Reading on this day, provided that they are not challenged before the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121 of the Constitution.

Subsequently, from 4.45 pm to 5.30 pm, amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament are scheduled to be taken up for debate and approval. Thereafter, at 5.30 pm, the Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation is scheduled to be approved without debate.

As Wednesday, 8th April, is a government holiday, Parliament will not convene on that day.

• Agenda for Thursday, 9th April, 2026;

From 11.30 am to 2.00 pm, Orders under the Army Act (Chapter 357), Navy Act (Chapter 358), and Air Force Act (Chapter 359) are scheduled to be debated. In addition, if any Proclamations are issued by the President under the Public Security Ordinance and the Essential Public Services Act, the relevant motions for approval are also scheduled to be taken up for debate.

Thereafter, from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm, it has been agreed to hold an Adjournment Debate moved by the Opposition on the Easter Sunday attacks on 21st April, 2019.

• Agenda for Friday, 10th April, 2026;

From 11.30 am to 5.30 pm, it has been decided to take up for debate the No-Confidence Motion brought by the Opposition against the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody. (Newswire)

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The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has expressed concern about Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, continuing to hold a ministerial position, after he has been indicted in the High Court, reportedly on charges relating to corruption / financial misconduct. 

Issuing a statement, CPA said that according to media reports, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed these charges, alleging that in 2016, while serving as Manager of the Procurement and Import Division of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company, Jayakody was involved in irregularities relating to procurement. He has since been produced before the Colombo High Court and released on bail pending trial. 

CPA points out that it is incumbent that those holding public office abide by the highest standards of integrity and professionalism that aspire public trust and confidence in government, adding that conduct that falls short of such standards must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. 

The indictment also comes at a time when allegations have surfaced about possible irregularities in the procurement of coal for power generation, a function that falls within the purview of Jayakody’s Ministry. Such conduct amidst an evolving energy crisis raises critical questions of transparency and accountability of public decision-making and the suitability and integrity of those holding public office, it said.

Sri Lanka has witnessed years of mismanagement that resulted in the public demand for greater public accountability in 2022. The National People’s Power (NPP) secured its mandate in 2024 on the promise of a change in the system of governance and to dismantle the culture of corruption and impunity with a commitment towards accountable and transparent governance and government. 

CPA stressed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP Government must uphold these promises, demonstrating that those who hold public office abide by the principles they espoused in the campaign trail and fundamental to ensuring there is no actual and perceived conflicts of interest. 

In such a context, CPA called on Kumara Jayakody to forthwith resign from his ministerial position, noting that Jayakody’s continued functioning in his ministerial position, undermines the work of the Bribery Commission and the public faith and confidence in the Commission.

Furthermore, CPA urged the government to introduce and fully implement a Ministerial Code of Conduct that sets out standards and processes to facilitate accountable and transparent government and garner public trust in those holding public office. Failure to provide leadership and act decisively in this instance risks signalling to the public that the NPP’s mandate for reform was merely rhetorical, it added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser, MP Namal Rajapaksa, has called for the resignation of the Energy Minister, stating that such action should be taken without waiting for demands from the opposition.

Speaking to journalists in Colombo, Rajapaksa said it is only fair that accountability is upheld, especially when the government itself has acknowledged irregularities.

He alleged that ministers have admitted to importing low-cost coal, but warned that the financial burden would ultimately fall on the public. “The government says it is cheap, but who will bear the loss? It is the people,” he said, questioning the fairness of the situation.

Referring to earlier claims made by the ruling party that no individuals linked to them were involved in alleged corruption, he noted that the indictment of the Energy Minister contradicts those assertions.

“If that is the case, we should not wait for the opposition to call for it. The minister should resign,” he stressed. 

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa’s comments refer to the indictments filed before the Colombo High Court against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody on March 27, after which the court ordered his release on two sureties.

The charges stem from his tenure as Manager of the Production and Imports Division of Lanka Fertilizer Company in 2015. The Bribery Commission has accused him of unlawfully granting benefits to a private company during a procurement process for carpeting at the Hunupitiya warehouse complex. (Newswire)

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Indictments were filed before the Colombo High Court today against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody.

The Court ordered his release on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

The charges stem from his tenure as Manager of the Production and Imports Division of Lanka Fertilizer Company in 2015. 

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has accused him of unlawfully granting benefits to a private company during a procurement process for carpeting at the Hunupitiya warehouse complex.

Following a complaint and preliminary investigation, the Commission decided to file indictments, which were taken up in court today (27). (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary debate on the No-Confidence Motion submitted against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody will be held in April.

The Parliamentary Business Committee has decided to hold the debate on April 10 from 11.30 am to 05.30 pm. 

The Opposition today (19) submitted a No‑Confidence Motion against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody to the Speaker of Parliament.

The motion reportedly claims the Minister of Energy has failed to discharge his primary duty to ensure the procurement of sufficient and quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, and that such gross negligence in overseeing a critical national energy asset constitutes a fundamental breach of the responsibility of a minister. 

They also point out that the Minister of Energy has been formally charged before the Colombo High Court by the Bribery Commission for allegedly committing an ‘‘act of corruption’‘ while serving as the Procurement Manager of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited. (Newswire)

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Opposition lawmakers have submitted a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody to the Speaker of Parliament.

Chief Opposition Whip MP Gayanta Karunathilaka handed over the motion to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne this morning. 

The motion has already been signed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and a group of other opposition representatives.

According to reports, the motion claims the Minister of Energy has failed to discharge his primary duty to ensure the procurement of sufficient and quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, and that such gross negligence in overseeing a critical national energy asset constitutes a fundamental breach of the responsibility of a minister. 

They also point out that the Minister of Energy has been formally charged before the Colombo High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under Section 70 of the Bribery Act for committing an ‘‘act of corruption’‘ while serving as the Procurement Manager of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka may face power cuts in the future despite efforts to maintain an uninterrupted supply, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody told Parliament today (17).

He noted that, so far, no power cuts have been implemented despite the ongoing fuel issue due to the conflict in the Middle East region.

The Minister was responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the likelihood of electricity disruptions.

“We have so far maintained supply without disconnecting electricity, even for one hour. However, a time may come when we will have to implement power cuts,” Minister Jayakody said. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has made a disclosure regarding the number of days fuel stocks in Sri Lanka will be sufficient under normal consumption.

Making a special statement in Parliament today (17), the Minister revealed the following details;

• Octane 92 Petrol – until April 23
• Octane 95 Petrol – until May 10
• Diesel – until April 12
• Super Diesel – until May 10

Minister Jayakody further said that these estimates include fuel currently in storage as well as supplies from three ships already in port. 

He added that discussions are underway with suppliers to secure timely deliveries, while attempts are also being made to source fuel from new suppliers. 

Proposals from various suppliers are being considered to ensure an uninterrupted supply, he noted. 

Minister Jayakody stressed that the government was taking all necessary measures to manage the current situation under the existing circumstances resulting from the global war. (Newswire) 

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera says it is the responsibility of the President to decide whether a minister facing serious allegations should continue to hold the post of Minister of Energy.

Addressing the media yesterday (15), he stated that when former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella faced allegations regarding medicine purchases, Anura Kumara Dissanayake strongly raised his voice in Parliament demanding his removal from the ministerial post, and now he must act.

He added that when JVP MPs raised their voices in that manner, then President Ranil Wickremesinghe removed Keheliya Rambukwella from the post of Health Minister.

However, he charged that National People’s Power (NPP) General Secretary Nihal Abeysinghe has told the media that although serious charges have been levelled against the Minister of Energy, he has not been removed, and described this as a shameless statement.

Ajith P. Perera further said that if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake does not feel shaken by serious charges being levelled against a member of a group that preached about good governance and state integrity, then it raises a question about transparency. (Newswire)

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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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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has assured that the government will implement its promise of reducing electricity tariffs.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said that per the government’s policy statement, electricity tariffs will be reduced by 30% within 3 years. 

“Don’t be in a hurry, be patient a little longer. Our policy statement states that we will reduce the electricity bill by 30% within 3 years,” he said. 

Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri in Parliament today. (Newswire)

“Don’t rush, be patient for a little while longer. It is stated in our policy manifesto that it will be reduced by 30% within three years," Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody on electricity tarrifs. pic.twitter.com/U4zaalkg0H

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 6, 2026

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Minister of Power Kumara Jayakody says Sri Lanka has prepared a draft National Electricity Policy as part of a broader national energy strategy aimed at meeting current and future needs while addressing sector challenges.

A committee of experts,consisting of Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, Prof. Arulampalam Atputharajah, Prof. Wijendra Bandara, Dr. M. M. Gunathilaka, Engineer W. J. L. Shavindranath Fernando, and President’s Counsel Milinda Gunatilaka, was appointed by the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Minister. 

Minister Jayakody said in a statement that the committee has now submitted the draft policy.

The document will next be opened for public consultation, after which it is expected to be formally adopted as the National Electricity Policy, he added. (Newswire)

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