Coal company chairman cannot escape probe by resigning: FLSP

An immediate investigation must be launched into the chairman of the opposition-linked coal company, as he cannot be absolved of responsibility merely by resigning from his post, Education Secretary of the Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) Pubudu Jayagoda said.

Addressing the media in Nugegoda yesterday, Jayagoda revealed what he described as a serious irregularity in the awarding of a coal tender. He charged that the government had deviated from national procurement guidelines, which require a six-week period for tender applications. Instead, only three weeks had been granted, allegedly creating an unfair advantage for pre-selected parties.

“The government says this was due to an emergency, but they have failed to explain what that emergency was,” Jayagoda said. He warned that the unusual delay in issuing the tender—launched in August instead of the usual February–March period—would result in the first coal shipment arriving as late as November, creating a looming shortage.

“This delay could force Sri Lanka to buy coal at higher prices, which will be passed on to electricity consumers. If rains fail in October or November, power cuts are also likely,” he cautioned.

Jayagoda further alleged that the delay could benefit private diesel power plant operators, while pointing to suspicions that the tender was being steered toward Panacape, a company linked to businessman Ruwan Fernando. He noted that Fernando, previously appointed Hilton chairman by the government, was also associated with the controversial Maylin company.

“This is not only a matter of corruption but also a betrayal of political ethics,” Jayagoda charged. “The government is prioritising the interests of one individual over the needs of the people, putting the country’s entire electricity system at risk. The authorities must immediately clarify this issue.”