Subpar coal scandal, even bigger than Bond scandal – ECA

2026-02-19 - 05:17

The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) has alleged that 03 coal shipments imported to Sri Lanka contained coal with calorific values below the required standard of 5,900–6,100 kcal per kg, citing findings from the report issued by the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. Speaking at a press briefing yesterday (Feb. 18) at the Buddhist Cultural Centre, ECA National Secretary – Sanjeewa Dhammika said all 03 shipments failed to meet specifications. He emphasized that the resulting increase in electricity tariffs is not the public’s fault and raised serious concerns about coal procurement and the electricity reform process. Mr. Dhammika further alleged that the Government had misled the public by claiming substantial penalties had been imposed to offset losses from substandard coal. Meanwhile, ECA President – M.D.R. Athula claimed that coal tender timelines had been altered to ensure that conditions are favourable for suppliers. “This is a fraud of a magnitude greater than the Treasury Bonds scam. The financial impact of such actions should not be passed on to electricity consumers through higher tariffs,” he emphasised, urging the Government to recover losses from responsible parties. Mr. Athula also raised concerns over a planned separate tax for street lighting and the preparation to withdraw concessions granted to low-income groups after one year. He also described the 02-day public consultation period on the National Electricity Policy, as undemocratic. During the media briefing, the laboratory report from the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant confirming that the coal consignments were indeed substandard, was presented to the media. New mafia in the energy sector Meanwhile, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has stated that electricity generation in Sri Lanka is now affected not only by a fuel mafia but also by a solar energy mafia. He had stressed that these will be dismantled. He further stated: View this post on Instagram Discouragement of solar power industry Experts claim that the purchase price of one unit of solar-generated electricity has been reduced from Rs. 37 to Rs. 15 since the current minister took office, discouraging investments in the solar energy sector. However, a solar power generated unit is purchased at Rs. 15, consumers are still paying around Rs. 50 per unit, they point out. During peak periods, the purchase price of one unit of electricity generated from fossil fuels, rises to Rs. 85 per unit, they further note. Related News: Power grid at risk again? Renewable power producers face loan repayment crisis Govt. accused of jeopardizing 100,000 solar panel users CEB makes request to all rooftop solar system owners Battery energy storage system to be set up within 6 months