Fresh power generation data reveals a costly shortfall as substandard coal reduces output, forcing Sri Lanka to rely on expensive petroleum while accountability questions mount.
Energy expert Vidura Ralapanawa says Sri Lanka’s electricity generation capacity has dropped sharply due to the third shipment of coal imported for power generation being of inferior quality. Citing official power generation reports, he explained that although the country should be able to generate 810 megawatts when all three coal power plants are fully operational, the current maximum output has fallen to around 710 megawatts.
According to Dr. Ralapanawa, the 100 megawatt shortfall is directly linked to the poor quality of coal now being used. As a result, the lost capacity must be compensated by generating electricity using petroleum, significantly increasing generation costs. He questioned why the Ceylon Electricity Board should be forced to bear this additional financial burden due to what he described as a flawed and irresponsible procurement process.
While rooftop solar systems provide some daytime relief to the national grid, he stressed that this does not justify losses caused by inefficient coal purchases. Commenting on ongoing electricity sector reforms, Dr. Ralapanawa noted that delays in gazetting the new electricity generation company may have inadvertently protected the system. He warned that if the new entity had already been operational, it could have faced bankruptcy within its first year due to such losses.
He described the situation as unacceptable and called for immediate accountability over the procurement failures that led to the current power deficit.
