2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 2) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Deputy Minister Watagala defended the government against Opposition allegations related to a coal procurement tender for the Lakvijaya power plant and a separate LPG tender, arguing that the current administration has strengthened procurement integrity by routing purchases through formal tender processes rather than Cabinet Memoranda, as he claims was the practice under previous governments. He challenged the factual basis of the motion itself, noting it cited an erroneous figure of 12.32 million metric tons of coal against a typical annual requirement of 1.5–2.25 million tons. The Deputy Minister demanded that the Opposition member substantiate specific allegations—including claims that money was deposited into the Minister's mother's bank account and that a court had found the Minister guilty—by producing an account number and court case number respectively, noting the member had made the assertions without tabling any evidence. He further asserted that the government does not interfere with CIABOC, the Attorney-General's Department, or the CID investigations, contrasting this with past practices of summoning law enforcement officials to political residences, and dismissed the broader Opposition motion as politically motivated.
Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak while you are in the Chair. Looking at the Opposition’s allegations—including yesterday on the LPG tender—they complain even when an award is to the lowest bidder. We have improved political culture: after many years these procurements are going through a proper tender process rather than only by Cabinet Memo, even with a strong two–thirds government and Cabinet. Technical issues arose—here and in the gas tender—and we are addressing them. This is not “the first time under the NPP government something terrible has happened.” Similar issues occurred during their time in office, including when they were Deputy Ministers.
This motion itself is flawed. It says, “to procure 12.32 million metric tons of coal for the 2025–2026 season for Lakvijaya.” That figure is wrong. Typical annual quantities are 1.5 to 2.25 million tons. Yet we are debating a motion containing such an error.
The mover also claimed money was deposited into the Minister’s mother’s bank account—at Homagama People’s Bank—and he swore by it. He later waved a paper promising to produce details—like when some claimed MPs took vehicle permits; we never denied taking permits, but we did not sell them. If he can, let him table the account number and details. He said it, but never showed anything and has now vanished from the Chamber.
He further claimed a court found our Minister guilty. I asked for the case number—if any court has found him guilty, give me the number. He also said a complaint is before CIABOC and alleged “pressure is being applied to stall it.” We have a two–thirds government, and we are the ones who breathed life into Article 12(2) of the Constitution—equality before the law. We do not interfere. Say it outside if you dare. We have not saved “our side” when faced with issues. Yes, there is a baseless bribery complaint; we will face it. Bring it on.
They want us to “dance” to their tune—“we are black; make you a little black too.” We will not. Some of the Opposition’s conduct is problematic. Investigations proceed through CIABOC, the Attorney-General’s Department, and the CID. Before coming to power we said: we will act lawfully—no tears, no pressure. Once, officials of CIABOC and the CID were summoned to political residences; now the law is equal to all. Today, even those close to powerful figures are summoned by the CID and CIABOC. We have made that change.
What remains here are technical matters within the tender process. We have not put the procurement process itself in jeopardy. Even with a strong government, we have not used Cabinet power to bypass it; we have followed tenders.