Coal Commission questions former minister Kumara

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the process of importing coal to Sri Lanka has summoned former Minister of Power, Mr. Kumara Jayakody, and recorded his statements. According to an official notification, Mr. Jayakody appeared before the commission and provided extensive explanations regarding the facts underlying the relevant transactions.

Mr. Kumara Jayakody, who was appointed Minister of Power on November 18, 2024, resigned from his ministerial post on April 17, allowing for an impartial and independent investigation into this incident. However, he continues to be involved in his political activities as a Member of Parliament.

This special commission of inquiry, established by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga. Court of Appeal Justice Aditya Patabendige and High Court Justice Sanjeewa Somaratne are the other members. The commission is tasked with investigating fraud and corruption in coal procurement for the country during the long period from 2009 to the present, and all arrangements have been made to formally commence its official evidence hearings from July 3.

Commission Secretary D. V. Bandulasena revealed that statements have already been recorded from over sixty individuals for the relevant investigations, including the current Secretary of the Ministry of Power, former secretaries, and senior officials of the ministry. The commission has so far received 28 complaints, and several other former ministers involved in these financial incidents are expected to be summoned for questioning in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a recent report submitted to a parliamentary oversight committee has revealed that the government has incurred a massive financial loss of nearly 8.49 billion rupees due to substandard coal imported into the country on nine controversial shipments.