Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Resigns Amid Probe into Coal Imports

Sri Lanka's Minister for Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakodi, resigned following the announcement of a presidential commission to investigate coal imports by a state entity. The commission will examine procurement procedures amid allegations of financial losses to the state. This marks the first resignation from the National People's Power government, elected on an anti-corruption platform.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakodi, announced his resignation on Friday, prompted by a high-profile investigation into coal imports managed by a state-owned entity. His departure represents the first ministerial resignation from the National People's Power (NPP) government, elected in 2024 on an anti-corruption mandate.

The government established a Special Presidential Commission to examine practices by Lanka Coal Ltd over several decades, focusing on whether procurement procedures were followed and if financial losses occurred. This move follows allegations and a 'No Trust' vote against Jayakodi, which he survived last week.

The formal investigation aims to provide transparency and accountability in coal imports, with potential political implications for the ruling party. The commission will scrutinize imports since the establishment of Lanka Coal Company in 2008. The opposition previously criticized the government for alleged irregularities.

(With inputs from agencies.)