Special PCoI Moves to Next Phase in Coal Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Special Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the coal procurement transactions has received a total of 28 complaints so far.

The process of recording statements in relation to these complaints is scheduled to commence from next week.

The Special Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the coal procurement stated that statements will continue to be recorded from officials of institutions involved in the coal transactions.

Accordingly, statements will be obtained from officials of the Lanka Coal Company (Private)Limited, the Lakvijaya Power Plant, as well as the Ministry of Energy.

Evidence recording into the coal transactions are also expected to begin shortly.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, stated that the report of the COPE investigation into the coal transactions will be presented to Parliament next month.

The COPE Chairman said that several parties, including officials of the Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited and administrative officials of the Lakvijaya Power Plant, were summoned before the committee during the course of the investigation into the coal transactions.

He further stated that several audit reports issued in this regard were also used as the basis for the inquiry.

He added that any aspects identified for further investigation will be referred to the Criminal Investigation Department as well as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.