SJB Accuses Government of Failing to Act on Alleged Coal and Customs Scandals

Thissa Attanayake Raises Concerns over Alleged Corruption and Energy Management

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Thissa Attanayake has accused the government of failing to take adequate action over alleged corruption, financial losses and irregularities involving coal imports, shipping containers and public funds.

Speaking at a media briefing on October 19, Attanayake said the SJB’s promotional programme would be held in Polonnaruwa. He accused the government of misleading the public through its meetings and public statements.

He said that although the President had stated in Badulla that the law applied equally to everyone and that action was being taken against those accused of corruption, the government had not filed any new cases. He added that legal proceedings were continuing in cases filed in 2015.

Attanayake alleged that the country had suffered a loss of Rs. 15 billion due to a coal-related controversy and called for those responsible to be held accountable and the losses recovered. He also questioned the lack of investigations into 323 missing shipping containers, saying the financial loss could not yet be properly assessed. He argued that the President should be held accountable for the release of the containers.

He further raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of funds from the Department of Posts, calling for investigations into all allegations involving the government.

Concerns over Electricity Supply and Solar Power

Attanayake criticised the government’s electricity management, alleging that the importation of low-quality coal had contributed to power generation problems and affected the Norochcholai power plant.

He claimed that the government’s approach could strengthen the private diesel power sector while weakening the country’s electricity management.

He also criticised the government’s handling of solar power, saying the sector had previously provided significant benefits to the country. He alleged that current policies were undermining solar power development and benefiting businesses connected to those in power, potentially affecting the stability of the national electricity grid.

Questions over Religious and Cultural Matters

Attanayake also criticised the government’s handling of matters relating to the Mihindu Maha Seya and said Thailand had extended support to the project. He questioned whether adequate official recognition had been given to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister.

He further expressed concern over the treatment of Buddhist monks and Buddhist traditions, referring to the controversy involving Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Attanayake urged the government to correct what he described as mistakes in its handling of religious matters and warned against actions that could create public unrest or divisions within the Buddhist clergy.