Former Minister Jayakody Not Involved in Fraud – Government

20-Apr-2026

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The government stated that former Minister Kumar Jayakody was not involved in any fraud related to the coal procurement issue.

At a special media briefing held on April 17 at the Department of Government Information, Ministers Vijitha Herath and Nalinda Jayatissa jointly stated that the former minister had no involvement, direct or indirect, in any fraudulent activity.

Minister Vijitha Herath said the government was elected on a strong anti-corruption mandate and that independent institutions such as the Bribery Commission are functioning effectively with necessary resources provided.

He confirmed that substandard coal had been identified and acknowledged that the State had incurred losses. However, he emphasized that the former minister was not involved in procurement decisions.

He further noted that parliamentary oversight committees had already examined the matter and that the Auditor General had submitted a report stating no ministerial interference in procurement.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa added that opposition allegations do not hold up for even a week and challenged them to present evidence before the Presidential Commission instead of conducting media campaigns.