Subpar coal to Norochcholai: CEA finds no specific environmental damage
In the wake of concerns over the quality and environmental impact of coal supplied to the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai in the recent past, the Environment Ministry stated that investigations carried out by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) had not found evidence of any specific environmental damage caused by the coal stocks in question.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (03), Deputy subject Minister Anton Jayakody said that although the CEA had conducted an investigation into the matter, there had been no report identifying a particular environmental harm linked to the imported coal consignments.However, he acknowledged that the long-term use of coal inevitably has environmental consequences. “We cannot deny that the continued use of coal over a long period causes environmental harm. The only way to prevent that environmental damage is to reduce coal use. That can be achieved by promoting renewable energy. The Government is already working towards that goal. There are challenges along the way, the process is underway,” he added.The comments come after a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) report stated that the coal supplied to the said Power Plant between December of last year (2025) and February of this year (2026) resulted in a lower power generation capacity, increased coal consumption, higher fly ash discharge, and elevated emissions, compared to the coal supplied by the previous contractor.
The Commission reported a significant increase in fly ash discharge and higher levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide, although emission levels remained within the limits stipulated under the Plant’s Environmental Protection Licence.
The PUC further noted that sustained increases in emissions could lead to higher ambient air pollution levels under certain weather conditions and raised questions regarding coal quality verification procedures and compliance with environmental licence requirements.
