The Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Samagi Jana Sandhana, as a responsible opposition, are committed to safeguarding the country’s energy security and protecting consumer rights, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said in a special statement today. Sri Lanka Latest News
He stated that despite continuous denials by the authorities regarding allegations of substandard coal imports, it was revealed today that the coal from the 10th ship was also substandard.
According to reports from the System Control Unit, as well as findings from the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission, the coal supplied by both the 9th and 10th ships has been identified as substandard. As a result, the first generating unit is producing only 263 megawatts instead of the required 300 megawatts, while the third unit is generating 275 megawatts.
The Opposition Leader further explained that these figures clearly indicate the inferior quality of the coal. He noted that the second unit is producing the full 300 megawatts because it is operating using Russian coal. Accordingly, he said that the concerns consistently raised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya appear to be accurate.
Premadasa also alleged that the government is importing low-quality coal and resorting to emergency purchases under such circumstances. He claimed that these emergency procurements are being used as a means to bring in substandard coal.
He further charged that the government has failed to give due attention to reports issued by the Norochchola Power Station and asserted that the government bears direct responsibility for what he described as a coal-related scam. He added that low-quality coal continues to be imported into the country and called for an explanation, alleging that the benefits ultimately go to what he termed the “fuel mafia.”
