PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake told the media that due to a lack of sufficient stocks, Sri Lanka could lose 900 MW of coal power generation.
He also stated that the public may be forced to bear the consequences, such as prolonged power outages.
“Currently, two of the three Norochcholai Coal Power Plants are operational.” However, the coal stocks on hand are only enough to last until the last week of October,” he said.
Ratnayake also warned that if the Government or Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is not allowed to import the necessary coal, the power plants may shut down, resulting in long power outages.
“Despite having renewable energy and water in reservoirs, there is still a high risk of not receiving coal in time to generate power during November and December,” he explained.
According to Janaka Ratnayake, the Norochcholai coal power plant currently generates 30% to 40% of demand.
Sri Lanka has yet to settle a payment of US$ 50 million for the previous coal consignment, according to the PUCSL Chairman.