Police recorded a statement from Minister of Power and Energy Patali Chamipka Ranawaka today (04) over the purchasing of low-grade coal during his tenure for the Puttalam coal power plant.

The minister has given a statement saying that the purchase had not taken place according to the proper procedure and even without cabinet approval, the police said.

Police also asserted that they were hoping to record a statement from a former secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy Dr. Fernandaz to gain more information about the deal.

Meanwhile, four people were arrested yesterday (03) by Police Special Investigation about the deal of low-grade coal.

After appointment as the Minister of Power and Energy in January, Ranawaka told media that he was committed to punish those who were responsible for corruption, with no regard to their positions.

Along with the collaboration of Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilaka he formed the Anti-Corruption Front to collect information on corrupt individuals.