Sri Lanka, Jan. 25 -- It has been confirmed that the coal samples sent to India in relation to the coal shipment that has sparked public debate have not met the required calorific value, the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said.

Speaking to media in Kalutara, the Minister stated that steps will be taken to impose penalties on the relevant supplier accordingly.

Commenting further on the issue, Minister Jayatissa said, "There was no issue in the procurement process. After the first 60,000 metric tonnes were imported to the country, sample testing carried out in India by the coal supplier revealed a deficiency in the required calorific value. Therefore, penalties will be imposed."

"If the samples tested after ...