The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, a few clarifications to the Opposition’s “coal scam” narrative.

¶ 02 They repeatedly claim the tender was given to an unregistered company. The AG’s report itself shows the $5,000 registration fee was paid on 18 August; a bank process shorted $20 which was settled the next day, with formal notification recorded on the 22nd. The key condition in the AG’s page 486 states: “any coal supplier will not be eligible for bidding without being registered by paying USD 5000 before the submission of the bid.” That means before bid submission—not necessarily 18 August. Given bid windows (21 then extended to 28 days), payment before 18 September sufficed. So the claim “unregistered at bid” is false—please read the report properly.

¶ 03 We are not here to defend any company; we defend correct process. The real issue is elsewhere—irregularities existed historically. We welcome this debate because facts discomfort many. In our movement, when issues arose, even popular leaders were removed to set things right. Likewise, we will not shield anyone—party or person—if wrongdoing is proven.

¶ 04 Hon. “Mr. Footnote,” who was State Minister in this sector, knows that cases are ongoing regarding 18 vessels from 2015—about $1.5 million at stake—over deviations in fly ash, sulphur, etc. Past losses and penalties exist. Yet some who held office then said coal dust would “damage turbines”—betraying a lack of basic understanding of the steam cycle. The same voices now say the solar programme was undermined. But data show otherwise.

¶ 05 I table a chart: last year saw the largest-ever annual addition of renewable capacity. As we recorded the highest remittances, exports, and tourism incomes, we also added the most renewable power: an increase of about 1,000 MW in one year—from 2,347 MW in 2024 to 3,387 MW in 2025. Over the prior 18 years, roughly 2,000 MW were added; we added 1,000 MW in one year. That contradicts the claim of undermining renewables.

¶ 06 Yes, solar generation is diurnal. Battery systems and pumped storage were not introduced earlier, nor synchronous condensers to stabilize frequency and voltage. Control Room engineers face challenges maintaining system stability at 50 Hz with rising solar share. Earlier, under high dollar and equipment prices, contracts were signed at about Rs. 37 per kWh for some systems—favorable to investors but burdensome to the public—on 30-year terms. We are now introducing batteries and pumped storage to ensure reliability.

¶ 07 On tenders: now we are adhering to proper procurement. Previously, tenders were set aside and Cabinet gave to Potencia despite another bidder winning—no one shouted then. Today some nitpick a one-day bank shortfall on the $5,000 fee though the AG notes it is not material. Those questioning this had in 2017 tabled Cabinet Papers bypassing tender. Even now, MPs from the SLPP and elsewhere who were linked to these coal cartels in the past are inexplicably being shielded by the SJB—astonishing.

¶ 08 I also recall Hon. Ajith P. Perera’s 2017 remarks that during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time Nobel took monopoly control of coal supply, and a 21-year-old schoolmate of Namal Rajapaksa was made Chairman of the coal company. Those who said that then, and later held ministerial office, now bring NCMs when we follow due process.

¶ 09 We invite the Opposition: bring all facts, including on earlier cargos. One former Minister before 2017 had seven consecutive cargo rejections, with about $3.4 million in penalties imposed then. Now, from only three failed cargos, some cry catastrophe while ignoring past serial failures. Let us probe all 462 vessels, past and present, apply penalties, recover dues, fix systems, and ensure no burden on the public and no power cuts.