A special audit report on the controversial coal procurement process was tabled in Parliament by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, prompting objections from the Opposition over the failure to provide copies to Members.
The report, which examines the procurement of coal for the Lakvijaya Power Plant and related processes for the 2025–2026 period, was presented following the tabling of the Auditor General’s annual report.
Presenting the report, the Speaker stated:
“I present, under Section 154, the special audit report on the procurement of coal by the Lanka Coal Company for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, as outlined in Chapter 10 of the Auditor General’s report, as well as the coal procurement process for the 2025–2026 period.”
Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake proposed that the report be printed.
However, Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera raised a privilege issue, noting that although the report had been tabled, copies had not been made available on Members’ desks in line with parliamentary practice.
He questioned the delay, particularly in light of a scheduled debate on a vote of no confidence related to the matter on Friday (9 April).
“This is a serious concern, especially when such an important debate is to be taken up shortly,” he said.
MP S.M. Marikkar also described the situation as a serious issue, pointing out that a parliamentary committee meeting related to the subject was scheduled to be held today.
The incident has raised concerns over procedural transparency and access to key documents ahead of parliamentary deliberations on the issue.
