The Presidential Commission investigating coal procurement heard evidence regarding a phone conversation that circulated on social media, with Lanka Coal Company Chairman Jayantha Ratnayake explaining the context of the discussion.

The Presidential Commission to Investigate Coal Procurement examined a recorded telephone conversation yesterday that had previously been submitted by Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman and widely shared on social media platforms. During testimony, Lanka Coal Company Chairman Jayantha Ratnayake explained the nature and content of the audio recording, which he identified as a discussion between the company's General Manager Namal Hewage and the General Manager representing a coal supplier's local operations.

Ratnayake clarified that the conversation focused on procedural matters related to obtaining a performance bond from Taranjot, specifically addressing how to convert the bond into cash within a seven-day window specified in their contractual agreement. According to his account, the representative of the supplier's local company had not fully grasped the importance of the deadline, which could have resulted in forfeiture of the performance bond. Ratnayake stated that guidance was provided during the call to ensure the matter was handled appropriately.

When questioned about the recording's circulation, Ratnayake told the Commission he was unable to identify who had made the recording or subsequently released it on social media. He maintained that the telephone discussion did not constitute any planning of irregular or fraudulent activity, characterizing it instead as routine business communication addressing contractual obligations and risk management.