Sri Lanka scrambles to secure 300,000 tons of coal after failed quality checks, mounting fines, and corruption allegations threaten energy security and Lakvijaya power generation.
The Cabinet has approved an emergency purchase of 300,000 metric tons of coal, signaling growing concern over Sri Lanka’s energy security and the risk of a looming power crisis. Acting under emergency procurement provisions, the Lanka Coal Company has already invited quotations from registered suppliers to ensure rapid delivery if demand spikes.
Energy Ministry sources describe the move as a precautionary safeguard, particularly after recent coal shipments failed mandatory quality inspections. Several consignments imported under a previous tender awarded to the President Chamber Company of India have reportedly fallen short of required thermal standards. Data from the Lakvijaya Power Plant revealed that coal sourced from South Africa did not generate sufficient heat for efficient electricity production, undermining power output and operational reliability.
Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that inspection reports for six out of ten ships have been received. Authorities imposed substantial fines after laboratory testing showed that the calorific value of the coal was below the prescribed benchmark of 5,900 kilocalories per kilogram.
The fines imposed are as follows:
- $2.07 million for the first ship.
- $436,001 for the second ship.
- $484,929 for the third ship.
- $345,652 for the fourth ship.
- $500,192 for the fifth ship.
- $510,677 for the sixth ship.
These developments have intensified scrutiny over procurement procedures, tender compliance, and regulatory oversight. A committee has been appointed to investigate allegations of corruption and procedural violations linked to the original tender process, as well as to quantify financial losses incurred by the state.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy maintains that contingency planning is underway to secure fresh coal supplies before April if required. Officials emphasize that uninterrupted coal imports are essential to stabilize the national grid, protect electricity generation capacity, and prevent further strain on Sri Lanka’s fragile energy sector.
