The true story of the coal audio (Audio)

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman today lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding an alleged irregularity in the recent emergency coal procurement process carried out by Lanka Coal Company. The complaint is mainly based on a controversial telephone conversation audio clip currently circulating on social media.

The MP has pointed out in his complaint that it is clearly evident from listening to the audio clip that a serious fraud has occurred in awarding the relevant tender, and he has requested the Criminal Investigation Department to immediately launch an investigation into the matter.

Due to the lack of proper quality in the coal stocks imported under a previously active long-term tender, Lanka Coal Company had to call for a new tender for these emergency purchases last month. Accordingly, the relevant procurement process was implemented, and it is the procedure for awarding this emergency tender that has now come under scrutiny due to the audio clip circulating on social media. However, Mr. Jayantha Ratnayake, Chairman of Lanka Coal Company, has issued a written statement rejecting the allegations regarding this incident.

According to the Chairman, the audio clip contains an official telephone conversation that took place on March 25th between the company's General Manager and an official from the local representative agency of the coal supplying company. The Chairman emphasizes in his statement that a call was made to the local representative of the supplier, who was duly awarded the contract with the recommendations of the Tender Board and Cabinet approval, to inform them to provide the performance guarantee issued by the bank, valid until March 25, 2026.

Mr. Jayantha Ratnayake points out that this is an improper distortion of that normal telephone conversation, propagating it through social media in a way that can lead to various interpretations. He further states that all relevant tender procedures and procurement methods in this emergency coal purchasing process have been followed legally and in the prescribed manner, and that the supply operations are currently being carried out very successfully.

Watch the video related to this incident ›