Sri Lanka has a new Energy Minister

Anura Karunathilake has been appointed the new Minister of Energy, following the resignation of former Minister Kumara Jayakody last week.

Karunathilake, who is also the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, took oaths before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday (April 20).

Jayakody resigned to ensure a transparent investigation by a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into irregularities in the importation of coal.

Presidential Commission of Inquiry

Last week, Dissanayake appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate irregularities or illegal actions in the importation of coal by the state-owned Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited, or its successors.

The commission's investigation will span the period since the commencement of coal-based power generation in Sri Lanka in 2009 up to April 16, 2026 -- which includes Jayakody's tenure as Minister.

The Criminal Investigation Department is also conducting its own investigation into the matter, following a complaint by Secretary to the President.