COPE Confirms No Machinery Damage at Norochcholai; Calls for Independent Coal Testing ⚡

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) recently conducted an on-site inspection of the Lakvijaya Power Plant following concerns over coal quality. • Operational Status: COPE Chairman Nishantha Samaraweera confirmed that recently imported coal has not caused damage to machinery. The plant is functioning normally, though a "slight shortfall" in electricity generation was noted. • Energy Impact: As the country’s only coal-fired power plant, it provides 35% to 40% of Sri Lanka’s national grid requirement with a capacity exceeding 900 MW. • Quality Concerns: While the plant remains operational, COPE acknowledged that some coal shipments were not within the "optimal range," leading to a marginal reduction in output. • Key Recommendations: • Establish testing through an independent, accredited laboratory within Sri Lanka to ensure transparency. • Improve the protocols for random sampling and the transportation of samples to prevent future disputes. • Properly calibrate the existing on-site laboratory to meet international standards. • Next Steps: A forthcoming audit report will determine if quality issues arose from procedural lapses or deliberate actions during the procurement process. 📉 Based on provisional inspection findings as of March 13, 2026.