Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka filed a petition with the Colombo District Court demanding Rs 1000 million as damages from Voice Against Corruption convener Wasantha Samarasinghe for allegedly damaging his reputation and good name.

Samarasinghe has given a statement to the Mawbima newspaper published on July 15, 2016, saying that Ranawaka was involved in the 'coal scam' involving Rs 1800 million.

Ranawaka has named the former editor of Mawbima and the journalist who reported the news as respondents in the petition.

The 'coal scam' has surfaced on several occasions from 2014, when it was first brought to the limelight by former Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. It is alleged that a financial fraud took place in the import of coal for the Norochcholai power plant. Ranawaka has categorically rejected any involvement.