No-Confidence Motion Against Minister Jayakody Defeated by 104 Votes
13-Apr-2026.
The no-confidence motion brought by the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), against Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody was defeated by the Government with a majority of 104 votes.
The motion was defeated after receiving 49 votes in favour and 153 votes against, resulting in a 104-vote majority. Twenty-two MPs did not participate in the vote.
The Opposition had submitted the motion alleging that the Minister had failed in his fundamental duty of ensuring the procurement of sufficient and quality coal for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant. It was also stated that while serving as a procurement manager at the Sri Lanka Fertilizer Company, the Minister had allegedly engaged in corrupt activity, following which the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had filed an indictment against him in the Colombo High Court under the Bribery Act.
Based on allegations including loss of public funds, endangering national energy security, manipulation of procurement processes through corrupt practices, and corruption-related offences, the Opposition presented the no-confidence motion.
The debate on the motion commenced at 11.00 a.m. on April 10. The debate was opened by SJB Kalutara District MP Ajith P. Perera. MP S.M. Marikkar also addressed the House. On behalf of the Government, the first speech was delivered by Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. The vote on the motion was held at around 6.00 p.m.
In support of the motion, the SJB was joined by its allied parties as well as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), New Democratic Front, Pohottuwa (SLPP), Independent Group 17, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
No members of the Tamil Progressive Alliance participated in the vote. Tamil National People’s Front leader and MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam did not participate as he was overseas. Similarly, Vanni District MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Namal Rajapaksa, and a total of 22 MPs were absent from voting.
Accordingly, with 49 votes in favour and 153 votes against, the no-confidence motion against Minister Kumara Jayakody was defeated by a majority of 104 votes.
