Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that a program to formulate a national energy policy suitable for Sri Lanka was launched today at the Opposition Leader’s Office. He emphasized that this initiative comes at a time when the country is facing what he described as a deplorable and tragic situation in the energy sector.
He further alleged that the current government, by denying facts and disregarding accurate data, is creating energy insecurity rather than ensuring energy security.
Premadasa made these remarks while participating in the launch of the national energy policy formulation program held at the Opposition Leader’s Office today.
Highlighting concerns about the Norochcholai Power Plant, the Opposition Leader stated that it has failed to generate the required megawatts due to the use of substandard coal, thereby posing a serious risk to the energy sector. He noted that although warnings had been issued about potential power cuts resulting from this situation, the government had dismissed such concerns.
Providing specific figures, he said that the shortfall in electricity generation was recorded as follows:
March 12: 51 megawatts less
March 13: 130 megawatts less
March 14: 135 megawatts less
March 15: 132 megawatts less
March 16: 148 megawatts less
March 17: 165 megawatts less
March 18: 176 megawatts less
March 19: 165 megawatts less
Yesterday: 179 megawatts less
He stressed that this situation has led to energy insecurity, environmental damage, health risks, and the possibility of power cuts.
Premadasa also pointed out that the use of low-quality coal has resulted in the formation of new ash mountains. In response, he said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya, as a progressive opposition, are in the process of formulating a national electricity policy to be presented to the country and its people.
He emphasized that this policy would not be influenced by the interests or agendas of individual parties or financial incentives, stating that no individual or group—regardless of wealth, political authority, or financial power—would be able to influence it.
According to the Opposition Leader, the primary objective of this initiative is to implement a continuous electricity procurement program that is efficient, cost-effective, and of high quality. He added that the policy would aim to minimize environmental damage while safeguarding public health.
Premadasa further criticized previous governments, stating that while they promoted renewable energy while in opposition, they later became dependent on fossil fuel power plant owners after coming into power, influenced by financial incentives that undermine renewable energy development. He asserted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would not follow such a path.
The Opposition Leader also raised concerns regarding the government’s reluctance to accept real-time data from the Norochcholai Power Plant, stating that this has led to significant damage to national resources. He described the importation of substandard coal as a highly corrupt and fraudulent act, noting that a no-confidence motion has already been filed against the minister allegedly involved. He urged the minister to immediately refrain from continuing such actions.
