Coal Procurement Scandal Will Rival Central Bank Scam, Says Dilith Jayaweera
25-Feb-2026.
MP Dilith Jayaweera of the Sarvajana Balaya Party has alleged that the present government came to power already tainted by corruption and is now engaged in even larger-scale fraud than before.
Speaking to the media following a special discussion on coal procurement held on February 23 at the party office with United Republic Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka, Jayaweera said the alleged coal procurement fraud had been observed from its inception.
He stated that the issue appeared to be a premeditated act of corruption and that its direct impact would be felt by the country’s poorest citizens from the first of next month. In particular, electricity bills for households consuming fewer than 30 units of electricity are expected to rise significantly.
He further claimed that those who came to power in the name of the poor are now burdening the same people.
According to him, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna historically carries a corruption-prone political culture, and what began as a seed has now grown into a deeply rooted tree.
Jayaweera noted that discussions had been held both individually and at party level with opposition MPs. He highlighted Ranawaka’s long experience in the sector and described his data and research as valuable, adding that they had agreed to act on a common understanding.
He accused the government of attempting to distance itself from the current procurement mechanism while continuing along the same corrupt path. He asserted that parliamentary data sufficiently demonstrate that the administration is corrupt, and that mere resignations of the President or ministers would not resolve the matter.
Like the Central Bank bond scam, he said, the coal scam would be etched into history. He added that if the public is adversely affected, they would mobilize people in protest. He also stated that further investigations are underway regarding gas shortages and broader energy sector issues, with findings to be revealed soon.
