Several parties have alleged that the inspection report examining the quality of coal stocks—suspected to be substandard—has not yet been released due to pressure being exerted on officials to alter the data contained in the report.
Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) cancelled a press conference that was scheduled to be held yesterday (19) regarding the Norochcholai power plant.
Internal sources within the CEB stated that the ongoing coal issue was also expected to be discussed at the cancelled press conference.
Recently, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament D.V. Chanaka stated in Parliament that losses amounting to nearly one billion rupees had been incurred due to the importation of substandard coal for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya power plant.
This statement sparked widespread controversy across the country.
However, the Ministry of Energy issued a statement stating that it is not possible to make an accurate assessment of the quality of the coal, as the quality inspection report prepared at the port of landing has not yet been released.
The statement further noted that fines would be imposed if the coal is found to be below the standards specified in the agreement.
