The term of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate alleged irregularities in coal imports and coal-fired electricity generation in Sri Lanka has been extended by two months, until December 16, 2026.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended the deadline for the Commission to submit its final report from October 16 to December 16, 2026, in terms of Section 4 of the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry Law, No. 7 of 1978.
The Commission was established by an order issued on April 17, 2026, and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2484/08 dated the same day.
Accordingly, the Commission has been mandated to investigate whether any irregularities or unlawful acts occurred in the importation of coal to Sri Lanka and in electricity generation by the state-owned Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd or its successors, from the commencement of coal-based power generation in the country up to April 16, 2026.
The Commission is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga, with Court of Appeal Justice Aditya Patabendige and High Court Judge Sanjeewa Somaratne serving as members. Former Ministry Secretary P. V. Bandulasena was appointed Secretary to the Commission.
The inquiry will examine the procurement processes relating to coal imports and determine whether any irregularities or unlawful acts occurred. It will also assess any financial losses caused to the government as a result of such practices.
Another key area of investigation is whether substandard coal was imported during the period under review. The Commission is tasked with examining all related procedures, including procurement, supply, quality testing, operational practices and coal utilisation.
It will also assess whether electricity generation using imported coal achieved the expected levels of efficiency and investigate any legal, financial or other irregularities associated with power generation using substandard coal.
The Commission will further examine whether any declared terms and conditions were breached during these processes and, if so, determine whether payments were withheld or appropriate remedial measures were taken.
In addition, it has been tasked with identifying any political authorities, public officials, officers of the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd, suppliers or their representatives responsible for any established irregularities or unlawful acts, and recommending appropriate action.
The Commission is also expected to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and strengthen governance in coal procurement and electricity generation.Its mandate extends to any other irregularities or unlawful acts identified in connection with coal imports and coal-fired power generation during the period under investigation.
The extension now gives the Commission until December 16, 2026, to complete its assigned investigations and submit its final report.
