Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday alleged that the government is attempting to pass on losses caused by the use of low-quality coal at the Norochcholai (Lakvijaya) Power Plant to electricity consumers through higher tariffs.
In a special statement, Premadasa said the power plant had failed to generate the required output in recent days. He noted that on Sunday (15), the plant was unable to produce the scheduled 810 megawatts, with the first unit generating 216 MW, the second unit 230 MW, and the third unit 232 MW, resulting in a total of only around 678 MW.
Premadasa claimed the shortfall was due to the government using low-quality coal at the plant for the first time in its history. He added that when coal plants fail to meet power requirements, authorities are forced to rely on fuel-based power plants, which significantly increases production costs.
The Opposition Leader alleged that the government is attempting to recover these additional costs by raising electricity tariffs, thereby passing the burden onto approximately 7.5 million electricity consumers.
Premadasa also claimed that the government may use the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to justify a potential electricity tariff increase. He urged authorities to disclose the truth to the public regarding the use of low-quality coal at the Norochcholai Power Plant.
He warned that if the government proceeds with increasing tariffs, the opposition will take the matter to the public and launch protests against the move.
