• Review launched to fix flaws in existing procurement framework
• Coal purchasing prioritised amid quality concerns and scrutiny
• Reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reliability and transparency

The Energy Ministry has moved to initiate changes to procurement processes in the energy sector, with particular attention focused on coal procurement, amid longstanding concerns over inefficiencies and repeated scrutiny of tender procedures.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (31), Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala said that issues had been identified in the current procurement framework and that corrective steps were now underway. “We have started to review procedures and introduce adjustments to make processes more reliable and efficient,” he said.

When queried as to whether the Ministry had prioritised any specific area, he noted that emphasis had been placed on introducing changes to the coal procurement process.

Coal remains central to Sri Lanka’s electricity generation, particularly in sustaining base-load power through thermal plants. In recent months, allegations have surfaced over the import of substandard coal, with claims that certain shipments failed to meet required quality standards. More broadly, procurement processes within the energy sector have repeatedly come under scrutiny over the years, with frequent allegations of irregularities linked to tender procedures, pricing decisions, and the selection of suppliers.