Anura Kumara Dissanayake appoints panel to probe Lanka Coal Company Limited over two decades of coal imports
Colombo: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday appointed a high-powered Presidential Commission to investigate coal imports by Lanka Coal Company Limited over nearly two decades. The probe will examine transactions from the inception of coal-based power generation imports until April 16, 2026, according to an official statement.
The commission has been constituted under the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry Act to assess whether procurement procedures were followed and if the imports caused financial losses to the state. Lanka Coal, established in 2008 to supply coal for thermal power plants, had its offices temporarily sealed by police last week before reopening.
The investigation follows a complaint filed by the President’s secretary and comes amid political tensions, including a no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakodi over alleged irregularities and substandard coal imports. While the opposition has accused the government of causing significant losses, the administration has denied any wrongdoing, even as the minister survived the motion with majority support.