Public pressure forced Energy Minister’s resignation, says Opposition

Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that despite the government winning the no-confidence motion with its majority, the Energy Minister was ultimately forced to resign due to intense public pressure.

Speaking to the media today (20) after meeting with Most Ven. Kirulapana Suddhamma Thera at the Ranasinghe Premadasa Pirivena in Andaragasyaya, the Opposition Leader, noted that a serious crisis has emerged in the energy sector.

He claimed that while the SJB presented scientific data proving that sub-standard coal was being used at the Lakvijaya Power Plant, the government continued to insist the coal was of high quality.

Premadasa pointed out that the President himself had defended the Energy Minister in Parliament to justify the coal transaction, leading to the government winning the no-confidence motion with 153 votes.

However, the subsequent resignation of both the Minister and the Secretary highlights that the public rejected the government's stance on the corrupt coal process.

The Opposition Leader further alleged that the current administration has become a partner in a "fuel mafia."

Citing concerns reportedly raised by a senior official at HSBC, he questioned why Sri Lanka is paying significantly higher prices for fuel compared to other countries.

He criticised the government for imposing heavy taxes on fuel during a time of international uncertainty, rather than protecting consumers as other nations do.

He emphasised that the SJB, as the only alternative government, remains committed to implementing a transparent fuel purchasing policy.

He urged the government to stop defrauding fuel consumers, just as they had already impacted 7.5 million electricity consumers through the coal scandal.