📈 Accountability Demanded Over Substandard Coal Imports

Sri Lanka's energy sector faces intense scrutiny following allegations of substandard coal imports for the Norochcholai (Lakvijaya) Power Plant. Calls for accountability have intensified against Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody regarding procurement transparency and environmental impact. • Quality & Financial Impact: Provisional data indicates at least one shipment (approx. 60,000 MT) recorded a calorific value of 5,520 kcal/kg, significantly below the 6,150 kcal/kg requirement. Estimates suggest daily efficiency losses of nearly Rs. 75 million, with total potential losses cited by the opposition reaching Rs. 7.5 billion to Rs. 10 billion due to tender irregularities. • Environmental & Infrastructure Risks: The Ministry of Environment has acknowledged substantial damage in the Norochcholai area. High sulphur and ash content (reportedly 21% vs 16% limit) are linked to toxic pollution and potential damage to power plant kilns, threatening the ICT/BPM and manufacturing sectors that rely on stable power. • Legal & Political Standing: Minister Jayakody faces calls for resignation and investigation into a previous Rs. 8 million fraud allegation from 2015. While the government maintains that a penalty system (double fines for subpar cargo) prevents state losses, critics argue these fines do not cover long-term infrastructure degradation or environmental recovery costs. • Current Status: Based on reports as of February 8, the government has recovered approx. US$ 2.1 million in fines. Emergency procurement is currently on hold as the third shipment reportedly met specifications.