The Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate coal transactions will commence recording evidence tomorrow (July 1).

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, the Commission has received 28 complaints, with today marking the final date for complainants to submit detailed reports on the matters raised.

Commission Secretary D.V. Bandulasena said statements have already been recorded from more than 100 individuals, including several former Ministry Secretaries and other state officials.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake established the full‑powered Commission to probe all coal transactions in the country. 

It is chaired by Supreme Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga, with Court of Appeal Judge Adithya Patabendige and High Court Judge Sanjeewa Somaratne serving as members. (Newswire)

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Preliminary investigations have already commenced into alleged irregularities surrounding coal imports and electricity generation from 2009 to April 16, 2026, the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry announced. 

Issuing a statement, the Commission said that Police officers assigned to the Commission have begun initial inquiries at its newly established office at the Magistrates’ Court Complex, Court Square, Colombo 12.

The Commission was appointed to examine suspected unlawful activities linked to coal imports, power generation, and related operations over the past 17 years.

In a public notice published on April 30, the Commission called on individuals and institutions to provide any information they may have regarding the matter. 

Submissions are requested to be made on or before May 22, 2026. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged irregularities in coal imports and electricity generation in Sri Lanka. 

According to the President’s Office, the commission will examine transactions from the inception of coal‑based power generation in the country up to April 16, 2026, focusing on whether unlawful practices or financial losses occurred through the government‑owned CEB Lanka Coal Company, its subsidiaries, or private suppliers.

The commission is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga, with Court of Appeal Justice Adithya Patabendige and High Court Justice Sanjeewa Somaratne serving as members. Former Ministry Secretary P.V. Bandulasena has been appointed as Secretary.

Its mandate includes reviewing procurement, supply, quality testing, operations, and utilization processes to determine whether substandard coal was imported, whether electricity generation met expected efficiency levels, and whether contractual violations or unethical practices caused losses to the state. 

The commission is also tasked with identifying political authorities, officials, company representatives, and suppliers responsible for any wrongdoing, and recommending corrective measures to prevent future irregularities.

The President’s Office has announced that the commission will additionally report on any other misconduct linked to coal imports and power generation, ensuring accountability and proposing safeguards for the future. (Newswire)

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Two prisoners who had been serving life sentences for LTTE activities were granted Presidential Pardons on Sunday (Jan 14), it was reported.

According to the Sunday Times, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had granted Presidential Pardons to Nagalingam Madansekar and Selvathurai Kirubakaran.

Madansekar and Kirubakaran had been convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations.

After being indicted in the Colombo High Court, Madansekar was convicted of charges filed under the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations on March 29, 2023 and sentenced to life in prison.

Kirubakaran had been found guilty of charges filed under the PTA and even though he had filed an appeal against his conviction, on July 20, 2022, the Court of Appeal affirmed the ruling given by the Colombo High Court.

However, they have been granted Presidential Pardons by the President under powers vested with him under Article 34(1) of the Constitution.

The Presidential Pardons were initiated following Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse’s recommendation, backed by a Prison Department report that said the duo had displayed good behaviour. (NewsWire)

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A request has been made from President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a Presidential Commission with absolute power to prevent future protests similar to the ‘Aragalaya’ peoples’ movement in Sri Lanka.

Cabinet Co-Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena said the request was made by the Cabinet of Ministers during the Cabinet meeting chaired by the President yesterday (08).

Addressing the weekly Cabinet Media briefing today, Minister Gunawardena said the Cabinet of Ministers had made such a request to ensure law and order in the country.

“If the houses of a selected group such as journalists or politicians are attacked, and there are no laws to control the protesters, then the country will end up in a serious situation,” he said.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the Presidential Commission is required to prevent such protesters from violating the basic fundamental rights of citizens.  

His remarks come at a time when Sri Lanka marks one year since the countrywide unrest that occurred in Sri Lanka on May 09, 2022. 

The unrest broke out after anti-government protesters were attacked by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) supporters at the Galle Face Green, in Colombo. (NewsWire)

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