2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 1) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Hon. Marikkar argued that the use of substandard coal will reduce power generation capacity, forcing the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase electricity from diesel suppliers at approximately Rs. 64 per unit instead of generating it at Rs. 24 per unit — a difference he characterised as theft being passed on to consumers. He strongly opposed the proposed 13.5% electricity tariff increase, directing the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) not to approve the hike on the grounds that the public should not bear the cost of alleged corrupt practices. Marikkar referenced pre-election government promises to reduce electricity bills and warned that a further increase would prompt public protests. He appealed directly to government Members of Parliament to reject the tariff proposal, cautioning that failure to act could politically damage the ruling party and cause hardship to the broader population.
From next month, when this substandard coal is used, you cannot generate 300 MW. Instead of producing a unit at around Rs. 24 on coal, you will have to buy a unit at around Rs. 64 from the diesel mafia—about Rs. 40 more per unit—passing the theft onto consumers. A proposal has been brought to increase electricity tariffs by 13.5 percent. We tell the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL): the public must not pay for anyone’s theft.
I respect Hon. Anil Jayanta, but I am saddened that he says increasing customer numbers is to “bear the costs.” This Government is set to increase bills to bear the thefts. They promised to reduce bills—Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 6,000; Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 4,000; Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 2,000. People voted expecting relief. Now, instead, another 13.5 percent hike is planned. If you raise bills again, we will bring the people to the streets. Sixteen months have passed; the honeymoon is over.
In the villages, it will not be us who strike you; it will be the people themselves.
I ask Members of the Malima Government: do not support this. Your Government did not come for this. Stop this now. You have a five-year mandate. Do not allow the actions of one Minister to destroy your entire Government and render 22 million people destitute. We are ready to see who has the courage to stand against this theft.
Thank you.