01 Feb 2026 –
The ongoing coal procurement scandal has once again pushed Sri Lanka’s energy sector into a state of emergency, raising serious questions about the integrity of the subject minister. With the Cabinet of Ministers recently granting approval for the emergency procurement of 300,000 MT of coal to avert a power crisis, the spotlight has firmly turned on the Minister in charge, Kumara Jayakody.
Given the swirling allegations of corruption and the Minister’s tainted history regarding the Fertilizer Corporation tender fraud, political analysts argue that to preserve the legitimacy of the current government, Jayakody must immediately resign or be removed from his post.
The Emergency Procurement Fiasco
Despite assurances of a stable long-term tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Ltd for the 2025-2026 period, the government has been forced to seek emergency stocks. Reports confirm that the Cabinet approved this measure because the quality of the coal supplied under the long-term tender has failed to meet basic specifications.
Data seen by The Sunday Morning reveals that the first shipment’s Gross Calorific Value (GCV) dropped to 6,032 kcal/kg with an ash content of 22.42%—violations that should trigger immediate rejection based on the tender requirement (minimum 5,900 kcal/kg and maximum 16% ash). Yet, instead of canceling the tender as per Clause 3.11 and Clause 5.2 of the agreement, authorities are scrambling for “emergency” purchases, a method often criticized as a breeding ground for corruption.
Rigging the Process?
The crisis appears manufactured. Sources indicate that tender conditions were manipulated to favor specific suppliers, allegedly an Indian company dealing in South African coal. The standard 42-day tender validity period was slashed to just 21 days, limiting competition. Consequently, Sri Lanka risks becoming a “dumping yard” for low-quality coal, paying premium prices for refuse that damages local power plants.
The Kumara Jayakody Factor
The central figure in this administrative collapse is Minister Kumara Jayakody. This is not the first time his name has been linked to procedural malpractice. Jayakody carries the heavy baggage of a past conviction related to a bribery case involving a tender fraud at the Fertilizer Corporation.
The recurrence of similar “emergency” patterns—manipulated tender timelines, acceptance of substandard goods, and reluctance to penalize defaulting suppliers—under his watch suggests more than mere incompetence. It points to systemic corruption.
Conclusion: A Test of Government Legitimacy
The government stands at a precipice. The Opposition is already demanding the disclosure of documents related to the timeline manipulation. If the government wishes to maintain its claim to “good governance” (Sujathabhavaya), it cannot continue to harbor a Minister with a proven track record of tender fraud.
The “emergency” here is not just about coal; it is about accountability. Minister Kumara Jayakody has lost the moral authority to lead a critical ministry. He must step down, or the President must dismiss him to prove that this government is not complicit in the plunder of public funds.