Government Appoints 3-Member Committee To Probe Billion Rupee Coal Scam

July 13, 2016

Power and Renewable Energy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has appointed a three member committee to probe the coal scam which was carried out when Champika Ranawaka was the subject minister, and reportedly resulted in the country losing Rs. 1.2 billion.

Champika Ranawaka

The committee comprises of Prof. K.K.Y.W. Perera, Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala and Prof. Janaka B. Ekanayake. The committee has been tasked to probe and provide the ministry with a comprehensive report on the issue on July 29.

According to a petition lodged at the Supreme Court by Noble Resources International Pte Limited, the coal procurement process resulted in a loss of at least Rs. 1.2 billion.

Even though the Supreme Court dismissed the case due to technical reasons, the Court advised that it would be ‘appropriate to’ terminate the contract entered into with Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises Pte for the supply of coal to the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant after giving reasonable’ notice and to call for fresh bids in terms of the law, for the supply of coal for the said power plant following competitive Bidding procedure.

The Supreme Court bench which comprised of Chief Justice K. Sripavan, P. Dep and U. Abeyraythne said that the deal had ‘shocked the conscience of the Court’ due to the actions of ministry officials.

Read More