MP D.V. Chanaka has stated that the total loss from the coal scam in Sri Lanka exceeds Rs. 100 billion.
He made this statement while participating in a special media briefing organized by the Joint Opposition in Parliament today (09).
During the briefing, the MP revealed that losses from the coal scam for the months of April, May, and June alone are estimated at over Rs. 25 billion. When the losses from January onwards are included, the total amount surpasses Rs. 100 billion.
MP Chanaka further highlighted key findings from the Auditor General’s report:
An additional Rs. 220 billion will be spent solely on coal.
The report estimates that 141 million units of electricity will be lost due to issues with coal shipments.
These 141 million units will have to be generated using diesel.
He emphasized that with the current rise in diesel prices, producing one unit of electricity with diesel now costs Rs. 125. Therefore, generating 141 million units would cost over Rs. 11 billion.
The MP warned that a coal shortage is expected in June. Consequently, the 900-megawatt Norochcholai Thermal Power Plant will need to rely on diesel for electricity production.
