With substandard coal shipments, looming monsoon seas, and fresh corruption claims, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has been forced into an urgent decision to prevent a nationwide power blackout.
The Cabinet has formally acknowledged a looming coal shortage and approved an emergency purchase of coal for the Norochchola Lakvijaya Power Plant, as authorities scramble to avert a possible electricity crisis in the coming months.
A senior government spokesperson said the decision followed confirmation that coal imported from South Africa was of poor quality, raising serious concerns about fuel reliability and power generation capacity. With the southwest monsoon expected to intensify from May, rough sea conditions could soon make coal unloading operations impossible, heightening the urgency to build adequate stockpiles in advance.
Laboratory tests conducted on coal samples from the first shipment of 60,000 metric tons revealed substandard quality, prompting the government to impose a fine of US$2 million on the supplier. Under the same supply agreement, 23 coal ships are scheduled to arrive, with nine already en route. Following the failed initial shipment, authorities have ordered strict quality inspections on all remaining vessels.
At the same time, allegations of corruption surrounding the coal tender process have intensified. Reports suggest tender conditions were altered to favor an Indian-linked supplier importing South African coal, including the controversial reduction of the tender period from 42 days to just 21 days.
The opposition has demanded that all tender-related documents be tabled in Parliament without delay. Alongside emergency procurement, the Cabinet has also approved calling a fresh tender to secure long-term coal supply stability.
