Sri Lanka's energy minister resigns on coal import issue days after surviving no trust motion
April 17, 2026
Sri Lanka's Minister for Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakody, resigned from his position on Friday, a move that closely followed the announcement of a high-powered Presidential Commission to investigate the country's coal importation process. The resignation marks a significant political development, as Jayakody is the first minister from the National People's Power (NPP) government, elected in late 2024 on a strong anti-corruption platform, to step down. Along with the minister, the Ministry's Secretary, Udayanga Hemapala, also tendered his resignation. According to the President's Media Division, the resignations are intended to facilitate an impartial and independent investigation by the newly appointed commission.
The decision to establish a Presidential Commission and the subsequent resignations came just days after Jayakody survived a no-confidence motion in parliament. On April 10, the motion, brought forward by the opposition, was defeated by a vote of 153 to 49, reflecting the NPP's strong majority in the legislative body. The motion had accused the minister of causing significant financial losses to the state through the procurement of substandard coal and of endangering the nation's energy security by mishandling the state procurement process. The opposition had demanded Jayakody's resignation, citing these allegations as a serious breach of ministerial responsibility.
The controversy centers on allegations of irregularities in coal procurement for the state-owned entity Lanka Coal Ltd. The opposition and media reports have highlighted concerns over the importation of low-quality coal, which has allegedly impacted the performance of the country's power plants and led to financial losses. While the government has acknowledged that some imported coal was of substandard quality, it has denied any corruption or financial loss to the state, asserting that all procurement was conducted according to established guidelines. The presidential probe is set to examine coal imports spanning several decades up until April 16, 2026.
The political turmoil in the energy ministry unfolds against a backdrop of significant economic and energy challenges for Sri Lanka. The nation is still recovering from a severe economic crisis in 2022 and remains heavily dependent on imported fuel, including the approximately 2.5 million tonnes of coal it imports annually. Issues within the energy sector, such as a lack of transparency and allegations of mismanagement, have been long-standing concerns, contributing to the country's economic vulnerabilities. The government's handling of the current situation is seen as a test of its commitment to the anti-corruption promises that brought it to power.
The resignations and the impending investigation are poised to have significant implications for Sri Lanka's energy policy and political landscape. With the commission's report expected within six months, the focus will be on the transparency and outcome of the probe. The government faces the task of appointing a new minister and secretary who can restore confidence in the management of the critical energy sector while navigating the ongoing economic recovery. The developments also highlight the persistent challenges of governance and accountability in a nation grappling with the aftershocks of a profound economic crisis.
Source: hindustantimes