Opposition calls for Audit report on coal procurement to be referred to Attorney General

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called for the immediate submission of the audit report detailing alleged irregularities in coal procurement to the Attorney General through Parliament.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo today (19), SJB Senior Vice President and former Minister, Attorney-at-Law Lakshman Kiriella said the incumbent government must act without delay on the findings contained in the Auditor General’s report.

He noted that the report contains significant information regarding alleged coal procurement-related fraud and that Parliament, which holds financial authority, should ensure it is formally forwarded to the Attorney General for legal action.

Former Minister Kiriella accused the government of avoiding the core issue by appointing multiple commissions instead of pursuing proper parliamentary procedures. He said this approach amounts to delaying justice and diverting attention from the allegations.

He further stated that the Auditor General has already confirmed concerns regarding the quality of coal imports, adding that such reports are initially tabled before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) before being escalated for legal consideration.

“The government is delaying action by appointing commissions instead of following the established process,” he said.

Kiriella also claimed that opposition parties had maintained unity on the coal issue and indicated that a broader opposition alliance could be formed in the future, potentially under the leadership of SJB leader Sajith Premadasa in the event of an election.

He further criticized the government for failing to fulfill election promises despite coming to power on a wide policy mandate.