Committee on Public Enterprises to Launch Comprehensive Probe into Coal Import Procedure

COLOMBO (News 1st): Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Member of Parliament Nishantha Samaraweera, says that a comprehensive investigation will be launched into the entire procedure followed in importing coal.

He made this statement during an exclusive interview with News First.

Chairman, MP Samaraweera, highlighted that in the past, no significant action has typically been taken beyond submitting the relevant report to the Speaker and that any further steps have depended on the Speaker’s recommendations. 

He added that under the current procedure, once a report is presented to the Speaker, action is taken based on the recommendations issued. The Speaker has the authority to refer the matter to the Attorney General, who then reviews it and decides on the appropriate legal action. He added that historically, there have not been many strong follow-up measures, as it is a lengthy process with the existence of several legal constraints.

Chairman, MP Samaraweera added that the committee is now working to amend the Standing Orders of Parliament, with the expectation of these amendments to be finalised by the end of this month or during the first week of next month. 

He confirmed that once the changes are in place, the committee will be able to directly refer matters to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), instead of limiting themselves to preliminary or short inquiries, as it will allow those institutions to conduct full and comprehensive investigations into all relevant facts.

The Chairman added that so far, about 22 state institutions have been summoned before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in recent months; however, although the number may seem relatively small, the examinations conducted have been detailed and comprehensive, as COPE’s role is to oversee the entire institutional structure.

The Chairman iterated that the committee also intends to summon institutions connected to specific incidents as they arise, especially a comprehensive investigation into the entire procedure followed in importing coal to Sri Lanka. 

He highlighted that to date, coal imports have followed certain established processes, and that the COPE intends to examine that framework in its entirety.

Responding to a question raised by News 1st's Sumith Andarawewa on why a sudden investigation will be launched on the Coal Import Procedure, Chairman of the COPE, MP NIshantha Samaraweera, said that the decision comes in the context of controversy, particularly allegations raised by opposition groups suggesting possible corruption or irregularities in the coal import process. 

Therefore, according to the Committee on Public Enterprises, the most appropriate course of action would be to conduct a full and transparent investigation, rather than responding to isolated claims. 

Through such an inquiry, the Committee aims to determine whether any irregularities or financial losses have occurred, assess the extent of any damage, identify corrective measures if necessary, and examine how such measures can be effectively implemented. 

The Chairman of COPE, MP Nishantha Samaraweera, emphasised that this is an important discussion for the country, and that is why the committee is proceeding with the investigation.