2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 2) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi defended the government against Opposition allegations of a "coal scam," asserting that coal imports for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya power plant are being conducted through a transparent tender process approved by the National Procurement Commission and consistent with established procurement procedures. The speaker referenced prior COPE and FCID reports and a Supreme Court decision from approximately 2016 as evidence of wrongdoing by previous administrations, contrasting this with the current government's anti-corruption mandate. The speaker further outlined the government's energy policy trajectory, citing current generation of approximately 35% from hydro and 15–20% from solar and wind, with a target of 70% renewables by 2030, while characterising coal as a transitional necessity. The speech also claimed broader governance achievements including the conversion of loss-making state-owned enterprises to profitability and easing inflation, and challenged Opposition members to repeat their allegations outside the protection of parliamentary privilege.
Hon. Presiding Member, while the Opposition spreads massive quantities of misinformation about a supposed “coal scam,” our Ministers and Members have given clear scientific and technical clarifications. The Opposition is adept at lies and smears. They tried that at the Presidential election and lost; they tried again at the general election and we secured a two–thirds majority. Since we formed the government, they manufacture stories week after week. Whatever they say, the public’s respect and trust in the President and this Government are growing.
Use your parliamentary privileges to tell lies if you must, but this Government was elected on a popular mandate to act against corruption, fraud and theft, and that is what we are doing—hence the growing international recognition of the President and improved anti-corruption rankings.
The Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal plant was built for a 30-year horizon to address the power crisis, and has operated over 15 years. There are COPE reports, FCID reports, and even a Supreme Court decision around 2016 concerning past dealings—how some dealt with companies, used political power and engaged in improper transactions. Unable to continue their conspiracies and crimes, they now howl. We are importing coal through a proper, transparent tender in line with procurement procedures and with the approval of the National Procurement Commission. We will proceed with transparency; no Minister or official is personally motivated to engage in corruption. If you can substantiate allegations made here under privilege, do so outside too—and face the consequences.
We are moving towards 70% renewables by 2030. Diesel plants are unsustainable; coal is being phased down globally. We will manage environmental impacts, and we already generate about 35% from hydro and around 15–20% from solar and wind, aiming to reach 70%. We will answer your accusations with action: building a corruption-free Sri Lanka together with the people.
This Government has turned loss-making SOEs into profit-makers—MILCO now pays dividends. Inflation is easing. Those involved in theft and corruption are worried. The Opposition, having hollered about education reform, has now fallen silent. Your disjointed, short-lived agitations become your own snares. We will continue with integrity and take the country forward with the people. Thank you.