Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe claimed that certain findings in the Auditor General’s (AG) report on the controversial coal importation cannot be accepted.

He made these remarks while participating in a television programme aired on Monday (20). He pointed out the AG’s report does not indicate that any fraud had taken place, but rather presents observations on possible scenarios. Expressing his views, Samarasinghe emphasised the Government’s position that no fraud occurred in relation to the incident. 

He added that both he and other Ministers maintain this stance, noting that bringing a no-confidence motion in Parliament under such circumstances is questionable, especially when the Government is confident of securing a majority. He further stated the Government does not believe there were any shortcomings in the procurement process followed. According to him, if there had been any issues, the AG’s report should have clearly identified specific violations of procurement guidelines or conditions. 

He stated that in that case, the AG’s report should clearly specify that the registration under the Procurement Commission or procurement conditions had not taken place at the relevant time, and that this is why it is considered invalid. He further pointed out that there is a letter issued by the Procurement Commission in August of last year (2025), which clearly states in its fourth paragraph the matter in question is not considered a fundamental error. 

‘‘This is the concern,’’ he said. ‘‘There are issues with the way certain reports have been compiled and how specific details have been included. However, I am not saying that the AG’s report is entirely wrong, but some parts and statements within it are inaccurate,’’ he added.