Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva has appeared before the Special Presidential Commission investigating coal procurement transactions, after receiving a formal summons.
The commission said the notice was issued after it considered several complaints received from different parties in relation to a statement allegedly made by Silva. A statement was recorded from him regarding the remarks in question during his appearance.
The summons follows weeks of controversy over Silva’s public commentary on the inquiry. Opposition figures, including SJB parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman, had earlier questioned the commission’s credibility over what they called Silva’s “pre-verdict” remarks on the coal deals.
Separately, the commission confirmed it has begun formally reviewing the complaints submitted in connection with the coal transactions. A total of 28 complaints were received during the designated submission period, which closed on May 22. The commission said the start of this review marks the beginning of the next phase of its inquiry.
In an update on 26 May, NewsFirst reported that the commission had recorded 20 statements so far as the probe proceeds.
The body, chaired by a Supreme Court judge and gazetted earlier this year, is examining coal imports for the Norochcholai power plant. It has previously summoned the Auditor General and the Energy Ministry Secretary as part of the probe.
