Parliament Defeats No-Confidence Motion Against Energy Minister 🏛️

The No-Confidence Motion (NCM) brought against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was defeated in Parliament yesterday by a significant majority of 104 votes. • Voting Results: 153 MPs voted against the motion. 49 MPs voted in favor. • Primary Allegations: The motion, presented by SJB MP Ajith P. Perera, centered on alleged irregularities within the energy sector, specifically: Procurement: Failure to ensure the supply of sufficient and quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai. Negligence: Gross oversight of critical national energy assets, impacting the country's power stability. • Legal Context: The opposition highlighted that the Minister faces charges by the Bribery Commission in the Colombo High Court. These relate to an alleged "act of corruption" during his previous tenure as Procurement Manager of the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Ltd. • Status: Despite the allegations regarding power & energy infrastructure and personal indictments, the Government successfully maintained its majority to retain the Minister in office.