The controversy surrounding the procurement and use of substandard coal shipments for the Lakvijaya coal power plant in Norochcholai has taken another twist with Deputy Environment Minister, Anton Jayakody stating that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has been instructed to prepare a programme to examine the possible environmental impact linked to the use of substandard coal at the Lakvijaya plant.
Jayakody has told the media that the instructions had been issued to the CEA following reports of the recently imported coal being substandard.
According to the deputy minister, the main allegation relates to a reduction in electricity generation from coal and stressed that investigations are now underway to identify the underlying cause. “If there is an environmental impact, it would be because of the sulphur content. That is what the CEA will be investigating. They will also recommend what action should be taken if there is an issue,” he has noted.
The issue has drawn criticism following reports that coal which failed to meet the required standards had been used at the said Plant, prompting questions about potential impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Although the government has stated that compensation had been sought from the supplier, several parties questioned as to who would be held accountable for the possible environmental damage. They said that residents living near the Plant should receive compensation, noting that ash released from boilers could pose health risks during rainy conditions and damage nearby vegetation.
Meanwhile, opposition politicians including the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has claimed that the coal in 10 shipments supplied by the current supplier to the Lakvijaya plant have been found to be of low quality.
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