March 19, Colombo (LNW): Opposition legislators have formally tabled a motion of no confidence against the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, escalating political tensions over the country’s energy sector.
The document was presented to the Speaker of Parliament earlier today by Chief Opposition Whip Gayanta Karunathilaka. It has reportedly secured the backing of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, alongside members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and several other opposition figures, signalling a coordinated effort to challenge the minister’s position.
In the motion, the Opposition accuses the Energy Minister of failing in his core responsibility to guarantee the timely procurement of adequate, high-quality coal supplies for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai. They argue that this alleged lapse has jeopardised the stability of a vital national power source, and amounts to a serious dereliction of ministerial duty.
The document further highlights ongoing legal troubles faced by the minister. It notes that he has been indicted before the Colombo High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under provisions of the Bribery Act, in connection with an alleged corrupt act during his tenure as Procurement Manager at the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Limited.