The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, when many speak of corruption, we too feel the heat — because we have always fought it, before and after taking office. The National People’s Power was formed to uproot theft, corruption, undue political interference and misuse of public property, and to enforce the law equally on anyone, so the saved public wealth benefits development and people’s welfare. None of us sought office for perks; our sole aim is to end the old ways and build a new country.

¶ 02 Opposition Members who looted public funds and ruined the economy now lecture us. Our movement leaves no room for corruption; if I or anyone errs, our own party will act first — as we have even in Opposition.

¶ 03 On my past service: as an officer at Lanka Fertilizer (2005–2015), I fought corruption; through performance bonds and penalties, we recovered crores for the state. Even against pressure from the highest offices, we acted; some chairmen were remanded for over three months. We confronted powerful figures and recovered funds, including through bonds, from corrupt networks. We are not here to steal but to fight thieves.

¶ 04 On coal procurement, I stopped spot-tender abuses; I have not interfered to change specifications or methods. International contracts have defined remedies; you cannot collect money by shouting here — you must follow contract procedures. I have no connection to any supplier and have not made even a phone call to favour anyone.

¶ 05 Allegations that we took money with a particular company are false. Some pushed to qualify “Potencia PLC”; I refused to sign that Cabinet paper. They had long enjoyed Cabinet approvals without bonds. When we change that, they panic. Previous seven ships had GCV below 5,900 per the plant lab; no action was taken then. In 2024, eleven delayed ships drew no delay charges. We are changing that.

¶ 06 You will not weaken this Government by trapping our Ministers with false charges. Thank you.