SJB Accuses Government of Coal Procurement Losses and Misuse of Laws

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has accused the government of wasting public funds through alleged irregularities in coal procurement and failing to take legal action over the matter.

Speaking at an SJB media briefing on October 20, 2026, Rajitha Lakmal, a lawyer and the party's Borella electorate organiser, alleged that the coal procurement controversy had caused a loss of Rs. 18 billion to the country. He described it as the largest financial loss in Sri Lanka's 76-year history.

Lakmal said the SJB had raised concerns about the alleged coal irregularities from the time the controversy emerged. He also claimed that a minister accused in connection with the procurement process had been the subject of a complaint to the Bribery Commission.

He further alleged that several reports had substantiated concerns about the coal procurement process, but questioned why legal action had not yet been taken.

Lakmal also linked the country's recent day-long power cuts to serious economic consequences, claiming that the interruptions had affected investors. He alleged that the Norochcholai power plant had suffered disruptions due to the use of substandard coal.

Turning to civil liberties, the SJB representative criticised the government's handling of laws relating to terrorism and public security. He said the government had previously promised to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act but was instead introducing legislation that, in his view, could undermine fundamental rights. He also accused the government of misusing existing laws.

Lakmal called on the government to stop what he described as misleading public statements and demonstrations, while criticising President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over his statements about the country's situation.