The Cabinet has approved the emergency purchase of 300,000 metric tons of coal in a move aimed at safeguarding national energy security amid mounting concerns over the quality of recent imports. The decision authorizes the Lanka Coal Company to call for bids from currently registered suppliers, allowing authorities to secure fuel stocks at short notice if demand intensifies in the coming months.
Sources within the Ministry of Energy said the measure is a precaution designed to prevent a potential power crisis, particularly after several recently delivered coal consignments failed to meet required technical standards. Officials emphasized that the government intends to ensure continuity of electricity generation by arranging alternative supplies before any disruption can occur.
Serious quality concerns have emerged over coal imported under a previous tender awarded to the President Chamber Company. Operational data from the Lakvijaya Power Plant indicated that the heat output generated during combustion of coal sourced from South Africa was insufficient for efficient electricity production, raising alarms among engineers and energy planners.
Commenting on the issue, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that inspection reports had been received for six out of ten ships that arrived in the country. Testing confirmed that the thermal capacity of the coal in those shipments fell below the mandated standard of 5,900 kilocalories per kilogram, prompting authorities to impose financial penalties on the supplier. The fines amounted to 2.07 million US dollars for the first shipment, followed by 436,001 dollars, 484,929 dollars, 345,652 dollars, 500,192 dollars, and 510,677 dollars for the subsequent five shipments.
A special committee has already been appointed to investigate allegations of irregularities and possible corruption in the awarding of the tender, as well as to assess financial losses incurred by the state. Meanwhile, energy officials say logistical and procurement arrangements are being finalized so that new coal stocks can be secured before April if required, ensuring that electricity generation remains stable despite the controversy surrounding earlier imports.
