Deputy Minister Akram Illyas claims the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant was constructed in an unsuitable location, triggering serious coal unloading challenges, tight import windows, and mounting operational pressure on Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Akram Illyas has stirred debate by stating that the Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal power plant was built in an entirely unsuitable location, creating ongoing technical and logistical complications.
Speaking on Derana’s Wadapitiya program, the Deputy Minister explained that the absence of a proper port facility at the power plant site has caused persistent operational challenges. He pointed out that the surrounding sea is shallow, making it difficult for large coal vessels to dock efficiently.
According to Illyas, coal imports are restricted to a limited time window. When ships arrive approximately every five days, only between 38 and 44 vessels can be accommodated within the scheduled period. A delay of even one shipment, he warned, can disrupt the entire supply chain and affect the required coal stock for electricity generation.
Responding to allegations about substandard coal quality, Illyas clarified that five of the six vessels received so far had coal exceeding 5900 GCV, with only one shipment falling below expectations. Under international procurement agreements, at least two substandard consignments are required to cancel a contract, and that threshold has not been met.
He further emphasized that the 2025 to 2026 coal tender process was conducted transparently, attracting a record 11 bidders. No appeals or legal disputes have arisen, and he dismissed opposition claims as politically motivated attempts to alarm the public.
