2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 2) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Hon. Mujibur Rahuman (Samagi Jana Balawegaya) defended the Opposition's role in exposing government irregularities and rejected corruption allegations directed at his party, asserting that no SJB member faces corruption charges or court cases. The central focus of his speech was a CEB report dated 19 February 2026, signed by General Manager Engineer Kumara, which he cited as documenting a loss of Rs. 7,672 million (approximately Rs. 7.6 billion) arising from the first eight coal vessels under a government procurement deal, with penalties not yet factored in. He argued that two material conditions of the coal tender had been breached — substandard (off-spec) coal and late delivery — and questioned why the agreement was not cancelled, suggesting the deal had been improperly protected. He further alleged that the resulting losses were being passed on to the public through a proposed 13% electricity tariff increase, and referenced additional procurement concerns including the wheat tender withdrawal, unreleased findings from a Presidential committee on 323 containers, and the award of the 50 MW Mannar wind power project to Dhammika Perera — alleged to be a close associate of the President — despite his appeal having been rejected.
Hon. Presiding Member, at the outset I wish to say that the duty of the Opposition is to point out shortcomings in Government transactions, to highlight any irregularities or corruption, and to bring them to the attention of Parliament. I do not know who has sold themselves for money. If anyone here has done so, name them. Simply alleging “you are bought” means nothing.
Those you brought to power are the very ones you now accuse. We did not campaign for them nor give them our votes. You installed that lot in power, sat them down, and ruined the country. Do not accuse us of being part of their deals—solve your own internal problems elsewhere.
No one in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is facing corruption allegations or court cases. During our period, no one had blood on their hands or took bribes. We are conducting ourselves cleanly. Those you empowered are holding everything, and you too have had a share—do not forget your slice.
When this debate began, a Minister said, “Do not trust the ‘Kota’ people.” I do not know why he opened with that. If he teamed up with them earlier and they have now abandoned him, he should tell us who they are.
On coal, you ask, “What is the loss?” The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) issued a report dated 19 February 2026, signed by Engineer Kumara, General Manager, CEB. It states that from the first eight coal vessels, there is a loss of Rs. 7,672 million—Rs. 7.6 billion—from that deal. It also says penalties have not yet been claimed; the loss is calculated without penalties. Is that not a loss? Is speaking about that a defense of any company? This is public money—funds that could have been used to grant relief to the people. Why are you upset when we talk about losses? Should we remain silent while you do as you please?
The coal tender contains conditions. One is that if substandard coal is supplied, the agreement can be cancelled. It is now confirmed that the coal from the first eight ships was off-spec. Another is that if delivery is not within the stipulated time, the agreement can be terminated. Two core conditions have been breached: the coal was off-spec, and ships arrived late. Why was the agreement not cancelled? Is it because the deal was already sealed? Your own Government Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, admitted in his media briefing that the coal in those ships was off-spec and that a penalty would be imposed. Penalties are not imposed unless there is a breach.
The CEB says all eight ships failed. I have their report with me; it records a loss of Rs. 7.6 billion to date. Who pays for that loss? The ninth vessel has arrived; its coal has not yet been unloaded. Another 20 vessels are expected. If off-spec coal continues to arrive, these losses will increase by billions. To recover that, you have already moved to increase the electricity tariff by 13 percent, burdening the people. Ministers who approved this in Cabinet will not pay; the Treasury will not pay. You will load the loss onto the people’s electricity bills. That is why we must speak.
The company in question has been blacklisted in another transaction. The tender conditions were tailored so that this company could win, despite lacking the required pre-stock capacity. Why award to a company with lower capacity and no prior coal supply experience? That is the basis for our suspicion. If there were no problem, why do we now see a loss counted in the thousands of millions?
Let me conclude briefly. You tried to fix the wheat tender; due to widespread opposition, it was withdrawn. You released 323 containers; the President appointed a committee to investigate, but its report has not been tabled in Parliament and is still hidden in the Presidential Secretariat. The 50 MW Mannar wind power project was not given to the tender winner; it was handed to Dhammika Perera—said to be a friend of the President—even after his appeal was rejected. You promised to eliminate corruption, ensure transparency, and uphold the rule of law. One by one, those promises are being swept away.
Thank you.