Sri Lanka Says No Corruption in Coal Imports, Probe Open to All

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government has strongly denied allegations of fraud or corruption in coal imports, while acknowledging that some imported coal was of substandard quality, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Minister said the government is making a responsible and unequivocal statement that no fraudulent activity took place during the coal import process. 

He stressed that all imports were carried out strictly in accordance with established procurement guidelines, including sample testing conducted through various international laboratories.

However, Minister Herath openly acknowledged that the quality of some of the imported coal was below expected standards, adding that this was clearly and transparently disclosed to the public. 

He emphasized that aside from this quality issue, no investigation conducted so far has confirmed any corruption or fraud, whether through direct involvement of a minister or any other individual.

The Minister categorically rejected claims that any minister had contacted suppliers, struck improper deals, or facilitated imports through illegal arrangements, stating that no such actions had occurred.

He said the government has decided that the matter should be examined through a transparent and public inquiry, allowing anyone with relevant information, data, or evidence to come forward. It was in this context, he explained, that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took the decision to appoint a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry.

According to the Minister, the Commission has been designed to be fully open to the public, enabling citizens to submit any information, data, or testimony they possess. Through this process, the government expects to go beyond existing audit reports, no‑confidence motions, and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probes, and, if necessary, make further information available to the public.