Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Resigns Amid Coal Import Investigation

Sri Lanka's Minister for Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakodi, and his secretary resigned following the announcement of a Presidential Commission to investigate coal imports. The resignations aim to facilitate an impartial probe into alleged procurement process misappropriations, marking the first ministerial resignation in the current anti-corruption government.

Sri Lanka's Minister for Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakodi, has stepped down, marking the first departure from the National People's Power government since its 2024 electoral victory. His resignation follows the establishment of a Presidential Commission tasked with probing the coal import activities of a state entity.

The move comes shortly after Jayakodi survived a 'No Trust' vote, where he faced allegations of causing financial losses and jeopardizing energy security. Despite these charges, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya argued that the opposition failed to substantiate their claims.

Jayakodi maintained his innocence, asserting adherence to the anti-corruption values espoused by his party. His resignation, alongside that of the Ministry's Secretary, Udayanga Hemapala, paves the way for an unbiased investigation as declared by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's office.

(With inputs from agencies.)