Recently imported coal has not caused any damage to the machinery at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), MP Nishantha Samaraweera said.
He noted that the plant is operating properly, and although there has been some reduction in electricity generation, it does not pose a problem for the country’s current energy needs.
MP Nishantha Samaraweera further stated that the plant has sufficient coal stocks for future requirements, and requested the public not to be misled by propaganda until investigations are completed.
He expressed these views during an on‑site inspection carried out by the COPE Committee at the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant on 06 March 2026.
During the inspection, all activities from coal unloading to electricity generation were examined, including unloading, storage, random sampling, laboratory testing, and operations at the main control room.
The COPE Committee revealed that checking the quality of imported coal through an independent laboratory established within the country is important for electricity generation.
The Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, built at Narakkalliya in the Kalpitiya Peninsula, is Sri Lanka’s largest and only coal power plant. It contributes over 900 MW to the national grid, meeting about 35–40% of the country’s electricity demand. The plant operates with a staff of about 845 attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board.
The plant has a 47‑acre yard for coal storage, laboratory facilities for sample testing, and equipment to monitor electricity generation data.
The Committee observed that due to issues in the coal testing process, improvements are needed, and stressed the importance of conducting tests through an independent, accredited laboratory.
Officials explained that coal is unloaded within six months during calm seas, stored in the yard, and samples are randomly collected when unloading from ships. These samples are sent to laboratories via courier services.
The Committee Chairman stressed that the plant’s laboratory should be standardized according to internationally accepted methods and highlighted the importance of improving the testing process to avoid future issues.
Noting that the quality of imported coal has not been within the suitable range for electricity generation, resulting in some reduction in output, he said this matter will be discussed further based on the observations of the inspection and the forthcoming audit report. (Newswire)
