All Coal Imports From 2009 Onwards to Be Investigated Via Special Presidential Commission

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government will move to appoint a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry comprising sitting Supreme Court judges to investigate all coal-related transactions from 2009 to date, Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced in Parliament.

Minister Ratnayake said the proposed Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry would examine the entire coal procurement process, including shipments brought into the country over the past 15 years.

He said that since 2009, approximately 465 coal shipments have been imported into Sri Lanka, of which 452 shipments were brought in by previous administrations, while only 13 shipments were imported during the tenure of the current government. The inquiry, he stressed, will cover every transaction without exception, regardless of the time period or the individuals involved.

Minister Ratnayake said the commission would be made up of currently serving Supreme Court judges, not retired judges, underscoring the seriousness and independence of the investigation. He told Parliament that if wrongdoing is found, those responsible, regardless of position or political affiliation, will face legal consequences.

He stated that if Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody is found to be at fault, he too will be held accountable, and if members of previous governments are found responsible, they will likewise face the law. The inquiry, he said, is intended to fully clarify the truth behind coal procurement and remove all doubts.

The Leader of the House emphasised that the government would not compromise the public mandate it has received, saying it would uphold that trust “to the letter and the decimal point.” While rejecting what he described as baseless allegations against the minister, he said the government nevertheless supports the commission in order to eliminate all suspicion and ensure complete transparency.

Meanwhile, the no‑confidence motion brought by the Opposition against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was defeated by a majority of 104 votes in Parliament.

The final vote count showed 49 votes in favour of the motion and 153 votes against, reflecting strong parliamentary backing for the minister.

The proposed commission is expected to investigate every aspect of coal procurement from 2009 up to the present, under the NPP government as well, marking one of the most comprehensive reviews of public-sector transactions announced in recent years.