Deadline Nears for Coal Procurement Complaints; 16 Complaints Filed So Far

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Special Presidential Commission appointed to investigate coal procurement has announced that it will conclude accepting complaints related to the process the on Friday (22).

So far, 16 complaints regarding alleged irregularities in coal purchases in Sri Lanka have been submitted to the commission.

Complaints can be submitted in writing or by post to the Commission office located on the fifth floor of the Judicial Building, Sanchi Arachchi Gardens, Adhikarana Mawatha, Colombo 12.

The Presidential Commission recorded statements yesterday (19) from officials of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd as well as from officials of the Lakvijaya Power Plant in connection with the ongoing investigation.

The fully empowered commission is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga, with Court of Appeal Judge Adithya Patabendige and High Court Judge Sanjeewa Somaratne serving as members.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, stated that certain sections identified during the coal procurement investigation have been decided to be referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for further study.

Speaking during the Satana Political program on Sirasa TV last night (19), he stated that COPE has already approved a proposal in this regard.

Dr. Samaraweera explained that the scope of investigations conducted by COPE is limited and based primarily on audit observations.

He noted that while certain matters can be discussed within that framework, a full investigation requires handing over the relevant information to institutions with the authority to carry out comprehensive probes.

He added that suspicions have arisen regarding some information uncovered during the committee’s investigations, and the next step would be to present the report in Parliament while also drawing the Speaker’s attention to key findings.

He confirmed that recommendations have already been approved to refer essential sections of the findings to the CID or the Bribery Commission, enabling a more thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.

In April 2026, a Commission was appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in terms of Section 2 of the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry Act, No. 7 of 1978 (as amended), read together with the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry (Special Provisions) Act, No. 4 of 1978.

The purpose of the Commission is to examine whether any irregularities or unlawful acts have occurred in the importation of coal to Sri Lanka and in the generation of electricity by the state-owned Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd or its successors, during the period from the commencement of coal-based power generation in Sri Lanka up to 16 April 2026.

The Commission has been assigned the functions of examining whether any irregularities or unlawful acts have occurred in the procurement process relating to the importation of coal to Sri Lanka and, if so, assessing any financial loss caused to the Government.

It will also determine whether substandard coal has been imported during the relevant period and, in that regard, inquire into all related processes, including procurement, supply, quality testing, operational procedures and utilisation.

The Commission will further examine whether electricity generation using imported coal has been carried out at the expected level of efficiency.

It will also ascertain whether, in instances where substandard coal has been imported, any legal or financial irregularities or unlawful acts have occurred in the process of power generation using such coal.

In addition, the Commission will examine whether any breaches of declared terms or conditions have occurred in the course of these processes and, if so, whether payments were withheld or other remedial measures were taken in respect of such breaches.

The Commission is also tasked with identifying the political authorities, public officials, officers of the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd, suppliers or their representatives responsible for such acts and recommending appropriate action against them.

It will further recommend measures to prevent the recurrence of such alleged irregularities or unlawful acts in the future and to ensure proper governance.

In addition to the above matters, the Commission will report on any other irregularities or unlawful acts that may have occurred in relation to coal importation and power generation, and recommend measures to prevent the occurrence of such situations.