Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated in a special statement today that the Norochchola Power Plant failed to generate the required megawatt capacity over the weekend.
According to him, the Lakvijaya Norochchola Power Plant was unable to produce the required 810 megawatts on Sunday the 15th, while the plant had already failed to meet the expected capacity on Saturday as well.
Premadasa explained that the first unit generated 216 megawatts, the second unit produced 230 megawatts, and the third unit generated 232 megawatts, bringing the total electricity generation to only 678 megawatts yesterday.
The Opposition Leader claimed that the reason for the reduced power generation is that the current government has used inferior coal at the Norochchola Power Plant for the first time in history.
He further stated that when electricity generation decreases due to the use of inferior coal, authorities are forced to produce electricity through fuel-fired power plants. According to him, electricity generation through such plants significantly increases production costs.
Premadasa warned that the government may attempt to recover these higher costs from electricity consumers, which could ultimately lead to an increase in electricity tariffs.
He said that the end result would be an increase in electricity bills, placing a burden on 7.5 million electricity consumers across the country. Reports also indicate that electricity tariffs may increase in the future.
The Opposition Leader further alleged that the current government is making what he described as a “shameful and large-scale attempt” to increase electricity tariffs by presenting false facts based on the war situation in the Middle East.
Premadasa therefore urged the government to reveal the truth to the country regarding the use of inferior coal at the Norochchola Power Plant. He also stated that increasing electricity tariffs due to the need to generate power from fuel-based plants because the required megawatt capacity is not being produced on a daily basis would be an anti-people action.
He emphasized that such a move would be a violation of the social agreement made with the people, adding that the government would be responsible for what he described as a false and fraudulent act.
Furthermore, the Opposition Leader stressed that the government should not attempt to justify an electricity tariff increase by citing the war in the Middle East. He warned that if such a decision is taken, the people may take to the streets in protest, and the opposition will present the facts to the public and oppose any increase in electricity tariffs.
