Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has dismissed claims that Sri Lanka lacks funds to import fuel, stating that such assertions are misleading.
According to Gunasena, a single shipment of diesel brings in between 35,000–40,000 metric tonnes (MT), while the country’s average daily diesel consumption stands at 4,500–5,000 MT.
Of this, the maximum requirement for electricity generation is only 500 MT, about 10% of daily usage.
He explained that if one shipment were allocated solely for electricity generation, it would be sufficient for at least 70 days (35,000 ÷ 500).
Gunasena further noted that the reduction in electricity supply from coal amounts to around 100–130 MW, which requires approximately 100 MT of diesel, about 20% of the daily electricity fuel requirement.
By highlighting these figures, the Deputy Minister underscored that Sri Lanka has adequate fuel capacity to meet electricity needs, countering claims of a shortage. (Newswire)
