Fmr. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody grilled by Presidential Commission on coal deals

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) -  The Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing alleged irregularities in coal procurement questioned former Energy Minister Engineer Kumara Jayakody for nearly two hours and recorded his statement yesterday (30).

According to sources, he appeared before the Commission following a formal summons and was questioned on coal import transactions and related procurement procedures.

Jayakody, who resigned from his ministerial portfolio on April 17 to facilitate an independent investigation, was appointed to the post on November 18, 2024. He continues to serve as a Member of Parliament.

The Commission is also expected to summon several other former ministers in connection with the probe.

Meanwhile, Commission Secretary D.V. Bandulasena said statements have already been recorded from more than 60 individuals, including the current Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, former secretaries, and senior ministry officials, with around 100 statements collected so far.

So far, 28 complaints have been received by the Commission, which was appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga, with Court of Appeal Judge Adithya Patabendige and High Court Judge Sanjeewa Somaratne serving as members.

The inquiry covers alleged irregularities in coal imports from 2009 to date, and formal evidence hearings are scheduled to begin on July 3.

Meanwhile, a report submitted to a parliamentary oversight committee has claimed that poor-quality coal shipments from nine controversial consignments have caused losses of around Rs. 8.49 billion.