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Coal Procurement Overhaul Signals Shift after Power Generation ...
By a special correspondent Sri Lanka’s decision to overhaul its coal procurement process reflects deeper concerns about the stability of its power generation system, as scrutiny intensifies over the use of low-quality coal at the Norochcholai power plant. The Energy Ministry’s latest move signals an acknowledgment that longstanding procurement flaws may be undermining the country’s energy security. Officials have admitted that the existing procurement framework contains notable gaps. Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala stated that a review is already underway to address inefficiencies and introduce more reliable procedures. While reforms are expected across the energy sector, coal procurement has been singled out as the most urgent area requiring intervention. (Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala) The urgency stems from coal’s central role in electricity generation. As the backbone of base-load power, coal-fired plants must operate consistently to meet national demand. However, reports of substandard coal imports have raised alarm, with claims that some shipments did not meet required quality benchmarks. Such deficiencies can have far-reaching consequences, including reduced generation capacity, increased operational costs, and higher maintenance demands. At the Norochcholai plant, these issues are particularly significant. Engineers have previously pointed out that inferior coal can disrupt combustion efficiency and lead to technical complications. This not only reduces output but also risks more frequent shutdowns, which can destabilize the overall power supply. Beyond the technical challenges, the procurement system itself has been under repeated criticism. Allegations of irregular tender processes, lack of transparency in pricing, and inconsistencies in supplier selection have persisted for years. Observers argue that these issues are not isolated incidents but symptoms of structural weaknesses within the system. The government’s reform initiative appears to be an attempt to address both immediate and systemic problems. By tightening procurement procedures and improving oversight, authorities hope to ensure that only coal meeting strict standards is imported. This, in turn, could enhance plant performance and reduce the risk of disruptions. However, experts warn that reforming procurement is only part of the solution. Effective implementation will require robust monitoring mechanisms, independent verification of coal quality, and ...
Low-quality coal fuels fears of environmental crisis; Lakvijaya ill ...
News By Namini Wijedasa Burning the low-quality coal recently procured for the Lakvijaya coal power plant via a tender that is now the subject of corruption allegations will cause a sharp rise in the quantity of fly ash generated, thereby posing a severe threat to the environment, experts warned. Sample tests conducted by the Lakvijaya internal laboratory on the first consignment of 60,000 MT of South African coal—bought through India’s Trident Chemphar Ltd—showed that the ash content was 21 per cent by weight. According to parameters set by Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd, a coal consignment is liable for rejection if the ash content is above 16 per cent. The standard (acceptable) value is 11 per cent. Read more in yesterday's Sunday Times edition here Comments Still No Comments Posted.
Sri Lanka's Coal Crisis Deepens amid Procurement Failures
The situation highlights systemic weaknesses in procurement oversight, contract enforcement, and risk management within Sri Lanka's energy sector. Ultimately, the coal procurement crisis is not just a logistical issue but a governance challenge.
Government Moves to Reform Coal Procurement Amid Quality Concerns
By: Staff Writer April 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka's Energy Ministry has begun a significant review of its coal procurement system, responding to mounting pressure over the impact of low-quality coal on the country's primary coal-fired power facility. The move comes amid growing concern that substandard fuel imports have contributed to reduced efficiency and reliability in electricity ...
