SJB labels resignations as a "staged drama" to mask massive coal scam

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) claims that the resignations of the Minister of Energy and the Ministry Secretary are merely another "staged drama" by the government to suppress the memory of a multi-billion rupee fraud in the public mind.

The party is calling on the public to join them in defeating the government's alleged efforts to hide a massive financial scandal involving the importation of substandard coal for power generation.

In an official statement, the SJB noted that they have pointed out on several occasions that an extremely corrupt transaction took place within the coal procurement process.

They highlighted that reports from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and the Auditor General have already revealed the financial losses caused by burning low-quality coal.

Furthermore, a recently leaked audio recording has confirmed the reality of the scam, with even the Chairman of the Lanka Coal Company reportedly admitting to the authenticity of the recording.

The SJB further charged that although complaints were filed with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, no proper action has been taken thus far.

They also criticised the 153 members of the National People's Power (NPP) who voted to protect Energy Minister Kumar Jayakody in Parliament last Friday (10), describing it as a betrayal of public trust.

The statement concluded by emphasising that the Subject Minister, the President as the head of the Cabinet, and the entire Cabinet of Ministers must be held collectively responsible for this corrupt transaction.