The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Minister who spoke on behalf of the Government said there is no crisis in the country. In fact, to create a favourable environment for investment, uninterrupted electricity supply is essential. At this very moment, a serious national crisis has arisen centring on the Norochcholai coal power plant.

¶ 02 Let me remind the Hon. Minister of some facts. On the 12th, power generation was down by 51 MW; on the 13th, down by 130 MW; on the 14th, down by 135 MW; on the 15th, down by 132 MW; on the 16th, down by 148 MW; on the 17th, down by 106 MW; and yesterday, down by 176 MW. This is due to the reduction in generation at the coal plant. So one cannot say there is no crisis. The problem with substandard coal is not due to the war situation abroad. Today, a very dangerous situation has arisen: increased fly ash and bottom ash are being produced, overloading ash management systems. Yesterday alone, there were seven to eight system breakdowns at the plant. Coal feeding has slowed, power generation has dropped, and not only has the gross calorific value declined, but the ash content has risen. Daily fly ash output has increased from 700–900 metric tons to 1,500–1,800 metric tons — a doubling — proving that reports by Cotecna and Mitra were fabricated and false.

¶ 03 A severe issue will arise during the upcoming New Year period when cement companies that purchase fly ash close for two weeks. With 1,800 metric tons of fly ash daily during that period, this will be dumped on the ash mound, which has long been halted on environmental grounds, causing a grave environmental hazard. Fly ash particles include PM10 and PM2.5, posing serious health risks, especially to the elderly, children, women and pregnant mothers — respiratory illnesses, dermatological issues, cardiac and renal problems. PM2.5 is carcinogenic. With the rains, carcinogens could spread over wide areas, affecting health, the environment, and agricultural productivity.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Speaker, because of this substandard coal, there is a serious problem in electricity generation. The ongoing Middle East conflict could further aggravate matters. The Public Utilities Commission has clearly stated that due to plant maintenance, at times in April, June and July, power cuts may be necessary, because with this coal issue they cannot ensure the 810 MW needed for external demand.

¶ 05 Due to the current situation, severe problems have emerged for farmers, fishers, miners, public servants, professionals, and those in transport like three-wheelers and taxis, as well as those in distribution and industries — SMEs — due to fuel shortages. The QR code system is still not functioning properly. Furnace oil to factories has been curtailed.

¶ 06 When coal generation falls short, diesel for consumers is being diverted for power generation. The costs and losses created by the electricity crisis due to substandard coal are being prepared to be passed on to around 750,000 electricity consumers via higher bills. What is the fate for farmers and fishers? What is the answer for industrialists, professionals, self-employed, three-wheeler drivers, transport sector workers and entrepreneurs? The Treasury was said to be overflowing. Then we request a relief programme for these distressed segments. Other countries have created specific economic packages for their citizens. Using the surplus Treasury funds, provide relief to our rural and urban poor, plantation, industrial, services, tourism and supply-chain sectors. No such programme has been implemented.

¶ 07 The QR code system still does not function. A Government that cannot implement that, how will it grant relief in this crisis? We ask responsibly: in such a situation in the power sector, will investors come? Will FDI arrive? When there is an electricity crisis due to coal, what happens to investment, jobs, and production? All combined, incomes are lost, factories close, and people take to the streets. Poverty rises. I asked the Government about their programme to eradicate poverty; they sought time. No answers, no plan, no roadmap. Present to the country, with timelines, the solution and relief package for the 22 million people living under immense pressure and suffering.

¶ 08 Thank you.