Energy Ministry assures no power cuts despite coal shortage

No power cuts will take place despite declining coal stocks at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai because sufficient hydropower generation remains available to maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply.

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that reduced coal reserves led authorities to limit generation at the plant, though he emphasized the overall power supply remains unaffected.

Two coal shipments will reach Sri Lanka shortly, with the first vessel arriving today and the second scheduled for September 12. Normal coal-fired power generation will resume once unloading completes.

The minister urged the public not to worry about the reduced coal stocks, maintaining that power cuts remain unnecessary.

However, Frontline Socialist Party Education Secretary Pubudu Jagoda claimed that the coal shortage creates a serious challenge for electricity generation.

Jagoda made these statements to the media following the submission of a request to the Public Utilities Commission opposing future electricity tariff increases.