Government Silent Over Alleged Substandard Coal Imports – Mujibur Rahman
01-Mar-2026.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman has questioned why the government remains silent over alleged large-scale corruption and fraud in coal imports, which he claims have caused a loss of approximately Rs. 7,672 million to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
Speaking at a media briefing held at the SJB office in Colombo on February 28, Rahman said that contrary to its promises of transparency and accountability, the current government has allowed serious irregularities in coal procurement.
He stated that eight shipments of coal have been imported so far under a contract with a foreign company. However, according to the CEB, the coal delivered is of significantly inferior quality.
Rahman alleged that the company has violated two major contractual conditions: failing to supply coal of the agreed standard and failing to deliver within the stipulated timeframe. Despite having the option to cancel the contract under these circumstances, the government has instead continued to procure coal from the same supplier, raising serious concerns, he said.
He further noted that while coal could reportedly be procured at prices between USD 60 and 70 per metric tonne, the government has paid USD 98 per metric tonne for what he described as substandard coal. He claimed that this represents one of the largest coal pricing irregularities in the country’s history.
Although the government has acknowledged the importation of low-quality coal, it has maintained that the responsible minister need not resign. Rahman criticized the current administration, noting that it had previously demanded ministerial resignations over similar allegations when in opposition.
With 20 more coal shipments expected, he warned that losses to the CEB could increase further and called on the President to initiate an immediate and impartial investigation. He also urged that the current Minister of Power and Energy be removed pending the inquiry.
