The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, in discussing this no-confidence motion against the Minister of Power and Energy, it is crystal clear there has been not a trivial but a serious fraud in the coal sector—the importation of substandard coal. Along with this corrupt substandard coal operation, a State policy hostile to renewable energy is being pursued. Instead of promoting solar, hydro and wind, this Government fosters a fossil-fuel mafia pushing centralized thermal generation, while undermining low-cost, eco-friendly renewables that would reduce bills. Therefore, it is unethical for the Minister to remain in office.

¶ 02 We consistently raised the issue of substandard coal. When we, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and other Opposition parties, presented these arguments, the Government—led by the President and senior Ministers—denied any such problem. When data began to prove the coal was substandard, their story shifted to: “Yes, the coal is substandard, but there is no fraud.”

¶ 03 They split hairs, calling us liars and themselves truthful. Let me present data from reports to show the Government’s case lacks foundation.

¶ 04 I table the Report of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the regulator tasked with protecting approximately 7.5 million electricity consumers. The Report states generation could not be fully achieved using the imported substandard coal. Check the third page for average coal consumption rate comparisons; against previous supplies, the rate reveals substandard quality. If the Government says this is false, say so openly and on record.

¶ 05 Specific coal consumption in the PUCSL Report also confirms the coal is substandard. Please do not interrupt—answer in your turn.

¶ 06 Next, Gross Calorific Value (GCV): according to the PUCSL Report, the GCV of the imported coal is inferior and below specification. Is the PUCSL Report false?

¶ 07 Further, page five sets out data on fly-ash emissions. Compared to previous consignments, the current fly-ash release profile is significantly worse—again indicating substandard coal, per the PUCSL, not me.

¶ 08 Page eight states losses from the nine vessels amount to approximately Rs. 8,497 million (Rs. 8.4 billion). Is that false? If so, say the PUCSL Report is false.

¶ 09 The PUCSL adds that with units 1 and 2 of Lakvijaya, and the Kerawalapitiya and Kelanitissa plants under certain operational constraints—especially at night peak—there is a risk of load shedding. All these data establish the coal is substandard.

¶ 10 On unregistered suppliers: the Auditor-General states that the contract was awarded to Trident Chemphar, a company not registered; bids were entertained from suppliers whose registrations were not confirmed; and tender documents were sent to the company before it even applied for registration (by 18 August). Is the Auditor-General wrong?

¶ 11 On unauthorized agreements: contracts were signed on 19 November 2025 before the Attorney-General’s due clearance. Is the Auditor-General wrong?

¶ 12 On invalid accreditation: quality certificates for 12 vessels were issued by PT Mitra SK Analisa Testama Samarinda, an Indonesian lab whose accreditation had been revoked on 29 December 2025. Is the Auditor-General wrong?

¶ 13 My time is up—just one minute, Sir.

¶ 14 The Report also notes data inconsistencies. Emergency procurement was made through Taranjot Resources—but the same supplier previously delivered substandard coal was again engaged for emergency purchase.

¶ 15 Finally, this coal corruption has undermined energy security and the “Four As”: Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Acceptability. Under this coal fraud, 7.5 million consumers now face higher bills and insecurity. If you can, say both the Auditor-General’s Report and the PUCSL Report are wrong. We believe both; taking either, the coal fraud is undeniable. We stand by our case.

¶ 16 Thank you.