COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has sufficient coal stocks to ensure the continuous supply of electricity, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said, assuring the public that no power cuts will be imposed due to coal-related issues.The Minister said a coal shipment carrying approximately 60,000 metric tons is expected to arrive in the country today (4).Speaking on the matter, Minister Karunathilaka said the vessel expected to arrive today is a replacement shipment for a coal consignment that had previously been rejected due to quality concerns during an emergency procurement process.He further stated that the procurement process for coal supplies required for the 2026/27 period has now been completed and that the first shipment under the new procurement arrangement is expected to reach the Norochcholai Power Plant by September 12.According to the Minister, a comprehensive plan has been put in place to ensure the uninterrupted supply of coal once the shipment reaches Puttalam, guaranteeing a continuous flow of fuel to the country's largest coal-fired power station.Karunathilaka emphasized that there is no risk of a coal shortage affecting electricity generation, noting that the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant currently possesses sufficient reserves for uninterrupted operations. He added that a quantity of coal procured in previous periods also remains available.The Minister said another coal shipment is expected to reach Norochcholai today, bringing an estimated 60,000 metric tons of coal."As a result, the Norochcholai Power Plant has more than adequate coal supplies to meet its electricity generation requirements. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to impose power cuts due to a shortage of coal. We assure the public that electricity supply will not be disrupted because of insufficient coal stocks. We guarantee a continuous electricity supply," the Minister said.
