Kurunegala District SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has lodged a detailed submission before the Special Presidential Commission probing coal imports, alleging the power sector is exposed to national security risks through irregularities, collusion and sanctions-related vulnerabilities in procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant.
In a dossier submitted last week, Jayasekera asked the Commission to investigate the ongoing 2026/2027 tender for 2.28 million metric tonnes of coal, warning that awarding contracts to certain bidders could destabilise electricity supply and trigger risks “reminiscent of the 2022 power crisis”. Lakvijaya supplies nearly 40 percent of national generation.
The MP flagged Potencia LLC-FZ, which he said is involved in ongoing legal proceedings against Lanka Coal Company while simultaneously bidding in the current tender. He warned that alleged links to Russian supply networks could expose Sri Lanka to secondary sanctions risks affecting letters of credit, shipping and marine insurance.
Jayasekera called for the immediate exclusion of Taranjot Resources, citing its reported suspension by India’s state-owned NTPC Limited since March 2024 and what he said was a track record of supplying coal with sub-standard calorific value. He also pointed to corporate interlinkages between Mohit Minerals and Taranjot through a common associated entity, Trona Minerals, alleging shared directorships pointed to coordinated participation that could breach procurement guidelines.
The dossier urges the Commission to revisit the Trident Chemphar 2025/2026 controversy, alleging a contract was signed before Attorney General clearance and contributed to an estimated 250 gigawatt-hour generation shortfall.
Describing the issue as “national security rather than a commercial dispute”, Jayasekera urged the Commission to ensure only credible and compliant suppliers are considered. Seven companies were earlier shortlisted for the 2026/27 tender after Lanka Coal Company tightened bid rules.
