3rd coal shipment to Norochcholai, also substandard – Pubudu

2026-01-26 - 02:33

The coal of the third shipment brought to the Norochcholai power plant is also substandard, alleges Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary – Pubudu Jayagoda. Speaking during a media briefing in Polonnaruwa yesterday (Jan. 25), he said that although one generator of the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai has a capacity of 270MW, with a total of 810MW, only 715MW of power has been generated from the aforementioned 03rd coal shipment, he pointed out. Breaking down the power generated, he said that the 03 generators of the plant have produced 240MW, 239MW and 236MW in this manner. Therefore, it is clear that the third shipment too, is substandard, he stated. “According to the Tender agreement, the order is cancelled if 02 shipments are found to be substandard. When we first raised this issue, it had fallen on deaf ears but now, the government had admitted to an English weekly newspaper that they accept the shipment quality was substandard. Two alternative options have also been proposed. These are decisions that should have been taken earlier. Now it is too late. Only 03 months are left until coal stocks for the entire next year are unloaded. In April, the monsoons will start,” he said. He also questioned why the Minister of Power and Energy is still backing the company involved even when such clear evidence is present. Calling upon the President to conduct an impartial investigation into the issue, Jayagoda urges the government not to let any losses incurred from these misconducts pass on to the public. “Recover the losses from those responsible. Don’t protect thieves,” he added. Penalties will be imposed – Nalinda Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said 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. 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 MT 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 the coal is unloaded in Sri Lanka fail to meet the required standards, the relevant party will be required to pay penalties without exception,” he said. Related News : Cabinet subcommittee uncovers extensive information on coal imported through Dubai-based company Coal tender scam a “ploy by Pelawatta” – Wimal No evidence of inferior coal being used in Norochcholai – Minister Coal shipment fails 2 lab tests – Champika