Coal Commission Hears Evidence on Viral Phone Recording

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fresh details emerged yesterday (5) before the Presidential Commission to Investigate Coal Procurement regarding an audio recording of a group telephone conversation that had previously been submitted to the Commission by Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman.

The revelations came as Lanka Coal Company Chairman Jayantha Ratnayake testified before the Commission.

The telephone conversation, which had also circulated widely on social media, was played before the Commission and the witness was given an opportunity to listen to the recording.

Providing an explanation of the conversation, Ratnayake stated that it had taken place between Lanka Coal Company General Manager Namal Hewage and the General Manager of the local representative company of a coal supplier.

However, he told the Commission that he was unaware of who had recorded the conversation or who had subsequently released it on social media platforms.

Ratnayake further explained that the discussion centred on obtaining a performance bond from Taranjot in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement.

According to the Chairman, the conversation focused on the process of converting the performance bond into cash within the stipulated seven-day period provided under the contract.

He said the General Manager of the local representative company had not fully understood the significance of the seven-day timeframe, creating the possibility that the performance bond could be forfeited. Ratnayake told the Commission that advice had therefore been given during the telephone conversation to ensure the matter was handled carefully.

The Lanka Coal Company Chairman maintained before the Commission that the discussion did not involve any attempt to plan any form of irregularity, or fraudulent activity.