Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 05:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Joint Opposition Alliance has accused Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva of undermining the independence of the Special Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the controversial coal procurement transactions linked to the supply of allegedly inferior quality coal.
In a statement, the alliance said there had been sustained public demand for action over a series of coal transactions which, according to the Government’s own admission, resulted in the delivery of substandard coal with serious implications for power generation and the wider economy.
Against that backdrop, the Opposition noted that the appointment of a Special Presidential Commission under Law No. 7 of 1978 had initially been welcomed as a positive step toward accountability and transparency.
However, the alliance expressed strong objection to remarks made by Silva during his May Day speech in Hambantota, where he reportedly stated that within three months it would be conclusively proven that the accusers themselves were responsible for wrongdoing while Government officials would be found entirely free of blame.
The Joint Opposition pointed out that under Section 2(1) of the relevant law, members of the Commission must be sitting judges of courts not below the level of a district court. Accordingly, the Commission currently comprises serving judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.
The alliance argued that Silva’s public comments amounted to a serious affront to the independence and dignity of the serving judicial officers attached to the Commission, alleging that the remarks effectively anticipated and prejudged the outcome of the inquiry.
“The public expect the Commission to be given the space required for an impartial, objective inquiry, untrammelled by any form of political or other pressure,” the statement said.
The opposition further alleged that the remarks raised concerns that the Government could be attempting to use the Commission as a political instrument rather than an independent investigative body.
The Joint Opposition said it was making a “vehement protest” against the situation and called on the Commission to take appropriate action against Silva, claiming that his comments constituted contempt of the authority and independence of the Commission.
