Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody, alongside Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, has formally resigned, as confirmed by the media division of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In his resignation letter, Jayakody expressed his decision to step down in order to facilitate an impartial investigation by the Special Presidential Commission, which has been tasked with reviewing the coal import process. He emphasized that his continued position as Minister could hinder the investigation’s objectivity.

President Dissanayake established this commission to scrutinize potential irregularities and unlawful activities associated with coal imports and their impact on electricity generation. Jayakody’s letter noted that he believes the investigation should proceed without any external influences, hence his resignation is effective immediately.

Similarly, Professor Hemapala stated in his resignation communication that stepping down is necessary to support the forthcoming investigations and to uphold their independence.

Prior to these resignations, the National People’s Power government, which was elected on an anti-corruption platform, confronted a no-confidence motion against Jayakody proposed by opposition members. The motion highlighted alleged discrepancies in coal procurement and accusations of corruption linked to the Lanka Fertilizer Company, which are currently being addressed in the Colombo High Court under the Bribery Act.

During the parliamentary discussion regarding the no-confidence motion, government officials and members of parliament defended the integrity of the minister, asserting that no wrongdoing had occurred.