A new investigation into coal imports for Sri Lanka’s largest thermal power station has raised serious concerns about the country’s electricity security, operational efficiency, and environmental safety.
A report by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has revealed that recently imported coal used at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai has significantly reduced electricity generation efficiency while increasing pollution and operational risks.
The findings, submitted to the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development on March 4, 2026, come amid growing controversy surrounding the coal procurement process overseen by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.
Power Output Falls Below Expected Levels
According to the PUCSL investigation, the Lakvijaya plant failed to reach its normal generating capacity when using nine coal shipments received from the current supplier between December 2025 and February 2026.
Under the previous supplier, each generating unit at the plant produced an average gross output of about 300 megawatts. However, operational records show that Units One, Two, and Three were unable to reach that benchmark when operating with the newly imported coal.
Engineers also recorded a significant rise in coal consumption rates. More coal had to be burned per hour to produce the same amount of electricity, a clear sign of reduced efficiency.
This means the country is effectively paying more for less power at a time when Sri Lanka’s electricity demand continues to rise.
Coal Quality under Question
The report also highlighted discrepancies in the declared quality of the imported coal.
Operational performance data suggested that the coal’s actual calorific value was much closer to the lower results obtained from laboratory tests conducted at the power plant than to the higher figures stated in the official shipping documentation.
Reports indicate that some shipments recorded gross calorific values below the required benchmark of 5,900 kcal/kg.
Lower calorific value coal generates less heat during combustion, forcing operators to burn larger quantities to maintain electricity output.
This not only reduces efficiency but also accelerates wear and stress on critical plant equipment.
Operational Stress inside the Power Plant
Operational logs examined by the PUCSL revealed repeated instances where steam temperatures exceeded limits specified in the plant’s operational regulations while burning the new coal.
To control these temperature spikes, operators were forced to fully open the desuperheating valve, which injects water into steam to reduce temperature.
In some cases this was not enough, forcing engineers to vent steam from the system.
Steam venting is considered a last-resort safety measure because it wastes energy and reduces generating capacity. In one incident, it caused a sudden drop in power output.
Pollution Levels Rise
The report also documented a dramatic increase in fly ash emissions.
Average fly ash discharge rose from approximately 0.046 kilograms per kilowatt-hour under the previous supplier to about 0.093 kilograms per kilowatt-hour with the new coal an increase of more than 100 percent.
Emission monitoring further showed higher levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide during plant operations.
Although emissions remained within the limits permitted under the Environmental Protection Licence, regulators warned that sustained increases could worsen air quality for communities living around Norochcholai.
Procurement Controversy and Power Crisis Risk
The coal supply contract itself has become the subject of political controversy.
Opposition lawmakers allege irregularities in the procurement process and claim the country may suffer financial losses and potential electricity shortages if the quality issues persist.
Opposition parliamentarian S. M. Marikkar previously alleged that the coal issue could impose a financial burden exceeding Rs. 1.8 billion on the public.
The government has already been forced to approve emergency coal purchases of 300,000 metric tonnes to prevent a potential power crisis.
With Norochcholai generating a major share of Sri Lanka’s electricity supply, any sustained disruption could place additional strain on the national grid.
Energy analysts warn that unless procurement transparency and quality controls are strengthened, the country risks repeating past power shortages that disrupted households, industries, and economic recovery.