Startling revelations made over controversial coal tender
The controversy surrounding the purchasing of coal from Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises Pte Ltd. continues to grow, with another startling announcement made at the cabinet media briefing on Wednesday.
“The minister pointed out that there will be a profit of US$ 9, if one tender was issued for a series of imports, he noted that if we import it bit by bit, we will incur a greater cost. He said that this tender procedure was adopted in order to save a great deal of money”, explained Joint Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Rajitha Senaratne
Consultant to the Anti-Corruption Front, Keerthi Tennakoon alleged that these calculations are deceitful and only persons at the Ceylon Electricity Board who rake in large salaries can make such corrupt and fraudulent calculations, while the corrupt Secretary of the CEB continues to pave the way for that.
He pointed out that that documents are being presented again to cabinet to purchase 330,000 metric tonnes of coal. and if coal is purchased from Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises Pte Ltd, an amount of US$73.94 must be paid for each metric tonne purchased. Therefore if 330,000 Metric Tonnes are purchased under this agreement, a net loss of US$30 million of Rs.444 million will have to be incurred.
“Supreme Court noted that this matter “Shocked the conscience of the Court” ” said the Leader of the National Unity Front, Azad Sally who added that it was said that Lanka Coal Company has the power to withdraw this tender but now they are attempting to narrate to state that it is the government that has the power to do this. And that this decision should be taken by the government.
“We call on the Attorney General to go to courts and seek an interpretation. This has been taken to Cabinet. We call on the President to lead a separate investigation i to this”, said the Leader of the NUF who further noted that they are swindling millions of public funds and eralier it was seen officials treating their relatives, now they are treating their friends.
“Where were persons like Batagoda when this government was established,Why are these secretaries being allowed to take control in this manner?” questioned Azad Sally.
He charged that this government was not elected to commit such crimes, and it is sad that persons who entered parliament through the national list and are unable to garner five simple votes are committing these acts.
“They may say that these funds are being funneled into the party, but in reality they are being directed into their businesses”, stated that leader of the NUF.
The post Startling revelations made over controversial coal tender appeared first on Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst | News1st | newsfirst.lk | Breaking.
