SJB Alleges Fuel Procurement Irregularities and Accuses Government of Mismanaging Energy Sector

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Divulapitiya co-organiser Sankha Abeywardena has alleged that the present Government purchased fuel at the highest prices in the country’s history and claimed that the party had complained to the Bribery Commission regarding the matter.

Speaking at an SJB media briefing, Abeywardena alleged that the Government was making an undisclosed profit of Rs. 15 billion through fuel transactions and had paid more for fuel than the amount that should have been paid.

He said the SJB had consistently worked towards resolving the country’s energy-related challenges, but alleged that the Government had failed to establish a national energy policy.

Abeywardena also alleged that the Government had collected Rs. 18 billion in connection with the impact of the Middle East conflict.

He accused the Government of undermining renewable energy projects, including solar power plants, while relying on what he described as corrupt practices involving diesel-based electricity generation.

According to Abeywardena, the Government had failed to take adequate measures to manage the country’s energy resources. He claimed that alleged irregularities in the energy sector were ultimately increasing the electricity costs borne by the public.

He further alleged that the import of low-quality coal had resulted in greater reliance on diesel for electricity generation, causing significant financial losses to the country.

Abeywardena also alleged that money obtained through alleged irregularities in the energy sector was being used to strengthen the JVP’s party funds.

Turning to another issue, he alleged that the Government had attempted to sell land belonging to the Ovatts Sports Club to a private company. He said the SJB was working to expose what he described as a wider wave of corruption within the Government.

Abeywardena also raised concerns about the availability of medicines at state hospitals, claiming that medicines were unavailable at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital and that essential medicines were also lacking at the National Hospital.

He accused the Government of being unable to adequately provide medicines and transport facilities for the public and described its approach to the energy sector as an “energy mafia.”

He further alleged that the Government had engaged in similar alleged financial irregularities while it was in opposition and claimed that such practices had continued after assuming power.

Abeywardena also said that if sufficient fuel was available in the country, there would be no need for a QR-based fuel distribution system, while claiming that a diesel shortage currently existed.

The allegations made at the media briefing were presented by Abeywardena on behalf of the SJB.