Minister Vijitha Herath today rejected allegations of fraud in the importation of coal, while acknowledging that a recent shipment was of substandard quality.
He made these remarks at a special media briefing held at the Government Information Department on (17), attended by several ministers, following the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.
Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala stepped down from their positions to allow an impartial investigation by a Special Presidential Commission appointed to probe issues related to coal procurement.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Commission to complete its അന്വേഷണം within six months and submit a report.
Minister Herath urged the public to provide any information related to alleged irregularities to the Commission, assuring transparency in the process.
“No fraud was committed in the import of coal. As a government, we state this responsibly. However, we accept that the quality of the imported coal was low, and we have openly informed the public,” he said.
He explained that all required tests had been conducted through relevant laboratories, but deficiencies in electricity generation were observed when the coal was used.
Herath further stated that no investigation so far has established any corruption or direct involvement of the minister or other officials. He emphasised that procurement was carried out through independent committees, including the National Procurement Commission, in accordance with established procedures.
Referring to discussions at the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), he noted that an audit had been conducted, and the report did not indicate any fraud or corruption by the minister, though it highlighted certain losses.
“The Audit Report clearly confirms that the minister was not involved in any fraud,” he said.