Sitting of Friday, 20 February 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23331 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Speaker's Certificate 1 speeches
- 2 Committee report Sectoral Oversight Committee Reports 3 speeches
- 3 Petitions Petitions 4 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court (Q.1/1206/2024) 13 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Mahapola Trust Fund (Q.472/2025) 5 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Questions: Deferred and Stand Down (Q.4, Q.5, Q.6) 8 speeches
- 7 Oral question Oral Question: Drug Raids and Asset Seizures (Q.1649/2025) 12 speeches
- 8 Oral question Oral Questions on Tourism, Agriculture and Deferred Question (Q.883/2025) 6 speeches
- 9 Oral question Oral Question: Investments Received (Finance Ministry); Point of Order on Question Scheduling 8 speeches
- 10 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Current Status of SriLankan Airlines Restructure 10 speeches
- 11 Debate Ministerial Statements: Credit Expansion and State Security Mechanism 6 speeches
- 12 Procedural Clarifications and Supplementary Questions; Matters of Order and Privilege 38 speeches
- 13 Procedural Motion on Parliamentary Sitting Hours 2 speeches
- 14 Adjournment Adjournment Motion: Issues Relating to the Power Sector (Coal Procurement for Norochcholai) 97 speeches
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar moved an Adjournment Motion alleging irregularities in coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant for the 2025-2026 season, claiming Auditor General and COPE recommendations on procurement standards were disregarded. He argued that relaxed bid conditions, inadequate quality controls, delayed deliveries, and alleged misleading of the National Procurement Commission and Cabinet had caused financial losses to the CEB and risks to energy security, citing test results indicating coal below required calorific values and high ash content. He urged immediate action to safeguard energy security, recover losses from those responsible, prevent future losses, and ensure accountability for the procurement process.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa responded to a matter raised by Hon. Marikkar, asking him to specify the HNB Homagama bank account name and number in question. He stated that the Government would disclose all relevant facts once those details were provided.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary S.M. Marikkar stated that he would later provide the relevant account name, account number, and remittance details. He urged that the information he had already submitted be investigated first.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera seconded the motion and alleged that the Minister of Power had a prior tender-related corruption record yet was appointed to a critical portfolio. He cited CEB figures reported to Parliament on 11 February 2026, claiming losses of about Rs. 2 billion from the first four coal shipments and warning of larger losses from substandard coal, plant damage, shutdowns, and delayed deliveries. He argued that ministry officials had warned against a shortened bidding period, that tender conditions were relaxed to accommodate an inexperienced supplier, and called on the Minister to accept responsibility and resign.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman asked the Government to table in Parliament the MoU signed on the plantation wages issue, noting public requests for its release. He also raised concerns that affected communities in Hanguranketa, including Hope, Rockwood, Hewaheta and Loolkandura, had not received assistance despite deaths, including 11 in Loolkandura, and requested a Government response.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB
AI summary Minister Kumara Jayakody rejected the Motion’s claims about coal procurement for Lakvijaya, stating that the cited requirement of 12.32 million MT for 2025–2026 was incorrect and that annual needs are far lower. He argued that the Auditor General’s 2022 report was quoted out of context, saying it recommended reasonably relaxing supplier registration criteria while safeguarding basic requirements, which had been reflected in procurement changes since 2022/2023. He stated that the 2025/2026 procurement used an open online tender, attracted 26 registrations and 10 valid bids, and included an extended bidding period to increase competition.
- The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law, rose to raise a point of order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that under the 2024/2025 contract, the supplier had failed by April to deliver the scheduled quantity. He framed this as part of concerns over alleged falsehoods, postponements, and delays in the relevant procurement or supply arrangement.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary By April, 11 ships were expected from suppliers selected through what was described as a corrupt procurement process. However, the deliveries were delayed, with the ships beginning to arrive only between September and December.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody asks the Chair not to allow another Member to speak immediately, requesting that the Member be permitted only after he finishes his own speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody argued that current coal deliveries to the Norochcholai power plant are proceeding continuously and that delays arose from earlier procurement and stockpiling constraints, not from the present arrangements. He said plant data and monitoring show no evidence so far of turbine damage, boiler tube failures, FGD problems, or deterioration in ambient air quality from the disputed coal shipments, while acknowledging that longer-term effects would require detailed technical assessment. He also stated that inquiries are ongoing, enhanced testing has been instructed through the Ministry Secretary, and past procurement practices, including reliance on load port reports and uncollected penalties, need further examination.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera only addresses the Chair with “Hon. Deputy Speaker,” and makes no substantive statement, proposal, question, or argument in the provided excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that he would take up the matter after the lunch break.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised a point of order, stating that the Deputy Speaker had earlier indicated he would be allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera challenged the Minister’s assertion that losses from low-grade coal were minimal, warning that if all contracted shipments were of similar quality the losses could exceed Rs. 100 billion. He cited and tabled a 2026.02.11 letter from the CEB General Manager to the Ministry Secretary, received by the Committee on Public Finance, stating that equipment damage and losses were occurring.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando raised a point of Order under Standing Order 91(c), challenging the Minister’s statement that turbines were unaffected by coal quality. Citing a letter tabled by Hon. Ajith P. Perera referring to increased operational costs from low-grade coal and turbine blade repair due to overheating, he asked whether the Minister accepted the contents of that letter and requested a direct answer.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government’s handling of CEB employee promotions, citing more than 550 pending promotions, a 2025 circular halting new recruitment, and Labour Department recommendations, and tabled related documents. He criticized the Government for failing to deliver promised electricity tariff reductions and for proposing additional levies for street and public lighting. He alleged irregularities in recent coal procurement, arguing that South African coal cargoes were of low quality based on Norochcholai generation and consumption data, and asked whether the cargoes achieved 300 MW per unit and the standard 0.37 kg/kWh consumption rate. He called for a transparent investigation into coal procurement and said consumers should not bear resulting costs through higher tariffs.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera rejected the Opposition’s motion on coal procurement as false and misleading, arguing that it wasted parliamentary time and exaggerated figures such as the stated coal requirement. He said the current procurement process followed Auditor-General and COPF recommendations, including 2023 guideline amendments to widen competition, while previous coal imports had caused unrecoverable losses due to invalid tender procedures. He explained that coal quality is assessed through accredited testing and penalty mechanisms, citing a USD 2.1 million penalty on the first shipment, and argued that the Government’s broader anti-corruption efforts were reflected in improved corruption rankings, public polling, and IMF comments on governance reforms.
- The Hon. S.M. Marikkar SJB
AI summary Hon. S.M. Marikkar raised a point of order in response to being named by another Member. He tabled copies of vehicle permits allegedly issued to Hon. D.M. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Hon. Bimal Niroshan Ratnayake, and Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, claiming they had sold the permits to fund their party while presenting themselves as opposed to such practices.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK
AI summary Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran warned that the CEB’s proposed 13.56 per cent tariff increase and losses linked to coal procurement would place a further burden on low-income consumers, and called for a proper mechanism for coal imports and electricity generation. He urged the Government to protect the jobs of about 23,000 CEB employees amid unbundling, remove dangerous electricity poles in Ampara and Batticaloa, and expedite delayed new electricity connections. He also requested paddy drying facilities, concessionary electricity, and fair procurement prices for farmers affected by heavy rains in those districts.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Ranasingha presided.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera rejected allegations of irregularities in coal procurement for Norochcholai, stating that the tender process was competitive, legally conducted, and included approved time extensions and appeal provisions, with no appeals lodged. He said Auditor-General recommendations had been implemented to improve competition, while quality controls and penalties remained in place, including a USD 2.1 million penalty for the first shipment. He also argued that Opposition claims based on Lakvijaya laboratory reports were misplaced because acceptance testing relies on accredited laboratories, and linked the issue to the Government’s broader anti-corruption agenda and international governance assessments.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva corrected the record on the IMF governance assessment, stating that it was requested by the former President, not the current Government. He tabled the Special Audit Report on 2022–2025 coal procurement for Norochcholai and the related COPF Report, noting that COPF findings had led to halting an allegedly unlawful tender and recommending restrictions on Tender Board members. He emphasized that the procurement suitability criteria, including prior experience supplying at least one million tonnes of specified-quality coal, were set out in the audit report and became binding after the COPF Report was tabled and adopted by Parliament on 4 October 2022.
- The Hon. Ravindra Bandara
AI summary Ravindra Bandara rejected the Opposition’s motion on coal procurement, arguing that its figures were inaccurate and that the current tender process had wider participation and cleaner procedures. He cited past procurement issues, including alleged improper award decisions, unrecovered penalties, rejected coal shipments, Norochcholai outages, and changes to testing and penalty methods, and demanded explanations on how losses under previous administrations would be recovered. He also criticized Opposition members’ conduct in the Chamber and their use of Standing Orders.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka criticised the Government by comparing Sri Lanka’s current Corruption Perceptions Index ranking with that under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, arguing that corruption has worsened by the Government’s own measure. He challenged Ministers to a public debate over coal procurement tenders and alleged that delays and decisions around the tender process were designed to facilitate corruption. Citing the resignation letter of the Lanka Coal Company Chairman, he claimed key decisions were being made by Mr. Udayanga Hemapala and his team, that the Chairman and Board refused responsibility for the alleged corruption, and that the tender proceeded immediately after the Chairman’s resignation despite presidential intervention.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Minister Upali Pannilage rejected the Opposition’s allegations over a coal tender, stating that the Government did not alter specifications after the 2024 elections and that relevant changes were made in 2023 under the previous administration after considering a 2022 report. He said the tender followed the national procurement process, with 28 days allowed for bidding, and denied Cabinet interference, contrasting this with earlier procurement practices. He argued that the revised specifications increased registered suppliers from 10 to 26, that coal quality was assessed against accepted international GCV standards, and that penalties for quality deviations were part of established practice, including about US$ 2.1 million in the current tender.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera only addresses the Presiding Member, with no substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or policy points recorded in the provided text.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister requested that the Hon. Member raise the question after he completed his speech, stating that he would respond thereafter.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister to respond to allegations by the resigned Chairman of Lanka Coal Company, who claimed he could not be party to a corrupt coal procurement process. He noted that the Chairman had placed responsibility on the Ministry Secretary, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, and requested the Minister’s position on the matter.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary The Minister briefly stated that the matter raised was not relevant, without making any substantive argument, proposal, or policy point.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera objected to a ruling or response that deemed a serious matter “not relevant.” He expressed disagreement with the dismissal of the issue, but did not elaborate further in the quoted remark.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi JJB
AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi rejected Opposition allegations of a coal procurement scam, stating that coal imports for Lakvijaya/Norochcholai are being carried out through approved tender procedures under the National Procurement Commission and asking the Opposition to table any claimed account numbers or evidence. He argued that past procurement irregularities were linked to previous political actors, while the current Government is pursuing an anti-corruption mandate and improving public institutions. He also outlined the Government’s energy direction, saying diesel and coal are unsustainable and that renewables, currently including hydropower and solar/wind contributions, are to be increased toward a 70 per cent target by 2030.
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy raised concerns over the coal tender and environmental compliance at the Norochcholai power plant, citing alleged failures in coal quality, contradictory inspection reports, and possible links to corruption. He asked whether the Continuous Emission Monitoring System was operating during January and February and called for an immediate investigation into rejected coal lots and the role of named individuals. He argued that substandard coal could breach the Environmental Protection Licence, damage plant machinery, increase reliance on expensive fuel, raise tariffs, cause blackouts, and worsen environmental harm in the Puttalam/Kalpitiya area.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika rejected Opposition allegations of fraud in an open coal tender, contrasting it with what he described as previous Cabinet-only coal awards without competitive tendering from 2023 to 2025. He denied that coal quality issues were driving a proposed 10% electricity tariff increase, stating that the CEB’s PUCSL applications cited other reasons, and argued that the Government was reducing power costs through competitive procurement of solar and battery storage. He also criticized personal allegations made against the Minister’s family and questioned prior coal awards to a company he linked to associates of the Rajapaksa family.
- The Hon. D.V. Chanaka SLPP
AI summary Hon. D.V. Chanaka objected to being referred to as “the Pohottuwa MP” and clarified that he was the only such member present. He also disputed an allegation about company ownership, stating that the company in question does not belong to Yoshitha Rajapaksa but to the niece of Mr. Wry Baltazar.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Dr. Najith Indika defended his earlier reference to “a Rajapaksa,” stating that he had not named a specific individual and that the matter could be verified. He criticised the SJB, alleging that its reactions in Parliament were linked to political or business interests involving favoured associates, including a reference to claims about Namal Rajapaksa in India.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam referred to the appointment of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Provincial Council Election Reforms under Standing Orders 102, 103, and 104, noting that the motion was presented on 6 January and members had now been named. He requested that the Committee hold its first sitting in the next parliamentary week and proposed that the remaining Opposition member be former Minister Hon. Faiszer Musthapha.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Minister to respond to the resignation statement of the Chairman of Lanka Coal Company, who alleged he could not be party to a corrupt coal procurement process. He specifically questioned whether accountability lay with Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala.
Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB
AI summary Hon. Danushka Ranganath rejected the Opposition’s Adjournment Motion allegations on coal procurement, arguing that the current process followed tender procedures, was extended at bidders’ request, and attracted ten bidders with one successful awardee. He contrasted this with alleged irregular and extra-tender coal purchases under previous governments between 2009 and 2015. He stated that coal quality concerns are addressed through contractual liquidated damages based on calorific value and maintained that the Government is enforcing those provisions while acting on its mandate to prevent corruption and waste.
- The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC
AI summary M.A.M. Thahir criticised both Government and Opposition for focusing on allegations and political point-scoring in the coal procurement adjournment debate while local problems remain unresolved. He urged action on the Oluvil fishery harbour and commercial port, either by making them operational or closing/removing structures causing erosion, and called for compensation for around 250 acres of coastal land reportedly lost from Maruthamunai to Thirukkovil. He also raised recent severe erosion in Nintavur and flood damage affecting farmers in Ampara, asking the Government to respond urgently.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law - Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala rejected Opposition allegations regarding the coal tender, stating that the Government followed open tender procedures and the lowest evaluated bid principle, as with the gas tender. He argued that the motion contained incorrect figures on Lakvijaya’s coal requirement and said claims about money being sent to a Minister’s relative or a court finding against the Minister had not been substantiated with evidence. He maintained that any technical issues in the tender were being addressed, that liquidated damages would fall on the supplier, and that institutions such as CIABOC, the Attorney-General’s Department and the CID were acting independently and equally under the Government.
- The Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala challenged claims made by the Opposition, alleging they were spreading falsehoods about a legal case filed at the Labour Tribunal. He acknowledged that the case did not succeed, but questioned why damages would have been paid if the case had been lost and asked for clarification on what was actually paid and where any such adverse judgment existed.
Justice & Human Rights Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Ajith P. Perera stated that the case had been defeated and lost.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB
AI summary Ruwan Mapalagama rejected the Opposition’s allegations over coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, arguing that the Government had followed a tender process and that Opposition speakers had not presented substantive evidence. He contrasted current energy and fuel management with previous practices, citing reductions in petrol, diesel and kerosene prices since the Government took office and denying claims that power cuts or energy instability would return. He also demanded that MP S. M. Marikkar substantiate or publicly withdraw an allegation regarding a bank account linked to Minister Kumara Jayakody’s family.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB
AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri tabled a letter from the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries alleging political pressure on land-related duties by a person acting as Private Secretary to the State Minister of Lands. He accused the Government and NPP members of failing to act on their anti-corruption promises, particularly in relation to allegations over coal procurement and quality, including questions about fines, supplier liability, and testing procedures. He also challenged the Government to investigate and disclose details of an alleged bank account linked to a relative of the Colombo Mayor, rather than placing the burden on Opposition MPs to prove the claim.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB
AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana rejected the Opposition’s coal-related allegations, arguing that they were politically motivated and unsupported by evidence, and challenged MP Marikkar to provide the referenced bank account details. He defended the Government’s 500-day record, citing improved corruption perceptions rankings, increased revenues, profitability in state-owned enterprises, and public survey results, attributing these to anti-corruption policies. He also referred to past coal procurement issues from 2009 to 2016, including alleged tender irregularities, losses from unloading failures, plant shutdowns, and penalty reductions, to argue that previous administrations bore responsibility for major losses in the sector.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha moved that Hon. Kins Nelson take the Chair. The House agreed, and Hon. Kins Nelson assumed the Chair in place of Hon. Chanaka Madugoda.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB
AI summary Nalinda Jayatissa defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai/Lakvijaya Power Plant, contrasting it with past practices of cancelled tenders and Cabinet-awarded purchases to preferred suppliers. He said the 2025 process registered 26 international suppliers, allowed 28 days for bids, received 10 bids, and included an appeal period with no objections lodged. He explained that coal quality is assessed through load port and discharge port reports, with penalties imposed for deviations, and noted past penalty amounts under previous years’ supplies. He rejected Opposition allegations regarding corruption and bank accounts, challenged them to provide specific evidence, and suggested the criticism was linked to the unsuccessful bidder.
- The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake urged a forward-looking approach to power and energy policy, citing President Anura Dissanayake’s 2005 May Day statement on reforming the trade union movement. He questioned the short public consultation period for the new National Electricity Policy, noting that comments were invited only from 12 to 19 February despite the Public Utilities Commission’s usual 21-day requirement, and contrasted it with the six-month consultation period for the 2019 policy when he was Minister.
- The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB
AI summary Kumara Jayakody stated that a 21-day notice period had already been provided earlier through newspapers and the website. He clarified that the website posting on the 12th related to a second stage, not the initial notice.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF
AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake questioned coal procurement and testing procedures, arguing that the shift during his tenure from Load Port Reports to Discharge Port, Norochcholai lab, and independent testing addressed earlier anomalies, but that current shipments still showed quality failures. He said lower calorific value and higher ash content in recent coal shipments would reduce Norochcholai’s effective generation capacity and increase reliance on costlier thermal generation, creating a significant financial impact. He urged the Minister to adopt pricing tied to energy content, maximize plant efficiency, explain the legality and testing basis of recent shipments, and provide answers on emergency tenders. He also requested a timeline for CEB restructuring, including the proposed company structure, VRS implementation, union negotiations, and responses on cyclone-related CEB losses.
- The Hon. K. Ilangkumaran JJB
AI summary Hon. K. Ilangkumaran defended the Government’s coal procurement for the Norochcholai power plant, stating that tenders were called transparently with ten bidders and that the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder. He accused the Opposition of attempting to mislead the public over the procurement process and contrasted this with alleged past non-transparent coal import arrangements. He also emphasized the need to expand renewable energy, particularly solar and wind in the Northern Province, while meeting rising electricity demand, and cited improved corruption index rankings and growing support for the NPP Government, including in the North.
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary K. Kader Masthan raised concerns about the Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal power plant, alleging inadequate local employment, suspected poor coal quality, pollution impacts, and related health issues, and urged future tenders to prioritise high-quality coal. He also called on the Government to address recent security incidents, including a fatal shooting in Jindupitiya, and to act quickly on the release of translated Holy Quran copies, especially after floods damaged many copies. He further requested urgent action to open the Ilavankulam road, arguing that its closure obstructs development and lengthens travel to the North despite there being no court order requiring closure.
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra rejected the Opposition’s Adjournment Motion on alleged coal tender irregularities, arguing that no specific defect in the procurement process, exclusion of bidders, appeal, or court challenge had been identified. She said coal rejections for quality had occurred under previous governments as well and could be addressed through contractual safeguards such as penalty clauses. She called on MP Marikkar to substantiate his allegation that funds were deposited to an account connected to the Minister’s wife’s mother, or to report it to the Bribery Commission. She further argued that the current tender process was more transparent than past practices where Cabinet Papers were allegedly used to override tender outcomes and favour preferred suppliers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary Lakmali Hemachandra criticized Opposition Members for allegedly using energy-related debates to advocate for a particular company rather than engaging in substantive scrutiny of government policy. She stated that the Government has no objection to any company winning tenders, including politically linked firms, provided they meet qualifications, pricing requirements, and tender conditions. She urged the Opposition to protect the public mandate, avoid undermining public discourse, and perform its role through legitimate criticism rather than what she described as company-driven interventions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman defended the Opposition’s role in raising allegations of fraud and mismanagement, rejecting claims that SJB members were compromised or implicated in corruption. Referring to the coal procurement issue, he cited a 19 February 2026 Ceylon Electricity Board report signed by its General Manager stating that losses from eight coal shipments amounted to Rs. 7,672 million, excluding unclaimed penalties. He questioned the Government’s response to these concerns and argued that Parliament must scrutinize losses involving public funds.
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman questioned why a coal supply agreement had not been cancelled despite alleged breaches of tender conditions relating to substandard coal and delayed deliveries. He cited a CEB report estimating losses at Rs. 7.6 billion, warned that further shipments could increase the loss, and argued that the proposed 13% electricity tariff increase would pass the cost to the public. He also alleged that the tender had been structured to favour a blacklisted company without sufficient coal supply capacity and demanded accountability for the decision.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB
AI summary Mujibur Rahuman alleged irregularities in several government decisions, including a withdrawn wheat tender, the release of 323 containers, and the awarding of a 50 MW Mannar wind power project despite an appeal being rejected. He questioned why the President’s committee report on the containers had not been presented to Parliament and accused the Government of failing to uphold its pledges on transparency, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected the Opposition’s adjournment motion alleging irregularities in the coal procurement tender, stating that the cited volume and four main allegations were incorrect. He said the tender followed National Procurement Commission procedures, incorporated earlier COPF guidance on competition and supplier assessment, selected the lowest compliant bidder, and did not involve improper deviations. He explained that delivery timing and coal quality were managed under contract terms, with load and discharge port testing by accredited third parties, penalties imposed where specifications were not met, and no legal basis for cancellation absent a breach. He warned that premature cancellation could expose the State to damages and argued that procurement decisions must be based on documented compliance rather than unauthenticated claims.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to treat the coal procurement allegations as an opportunity for correction, particularly on procurement procedure, Public Finance Committee advice, coal quality, and risks to the power sector, rather than merely rejecting Opposition criticism. He questioned whether imports should continue if reports of substandard coal shipments are accurate, and said the Government must meet public expectations for clean governance after its large mandate. He also requested electricity expansion in vulnerable villages affected by wildlife threats and coordination between the Power and Wildlife Ministers, and called for public examinations to be adapted for visually impaired students by avoiding map- and image-based questions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan made only a brief concluding remark, thanking the House and offering no substantive argument, proposal, or question.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Arkam Ilyas - Deputy Minister of Power JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas defended the 2025–2026 coal procurement, arguing that the Opposition had misstated the country’s coal requirement and that the tender followed the same specifications used in 2023 with approvals for the 21-day bidding period and an extension. He said suppliers had been pre-registered for quality, financial capacity and supply capability, and that the selected purchase price of USD 98 per metric ton avoided costs associated with an earlier proposed three-year tender at USD 324 per metric ton. He also stated that penalties and claims for substandard coal have been part of past procurements, that pending recoveries could reduce tariffs, and that the Government would act against any supplier failing to meet standards.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural