Sri Lanka, April 17 -- Minister Vijitha Herath today categorically rejected claims that any fraud had taken place in the importation of coal, but admitted that the imported coal shipment was of substandard quality.

He said this at a special media briefing held at the Government Information Department today (17) with the participation of several other ministers, regarding the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.

Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala stepped down from their respective positions today (17) to facilitate an impartial and independent investigation by the Special Presidential Commission appointed to probe matters related to coal imports.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Speci...