2026-02-20 / Adjournment Motion: Coal procurement for Lakvijaya Power Plant at Norochcholai (Part 2) 2026-02-20
## Summary
Hon. K. Kader Masthan raised four distinct issues in his speech. First, regarding the Norochcholai (Lakvijaya) coal power station, he called for future procurement tenders to explicitly prioritise quality coal, citing unmet government assurances on pollution control and local employment given when the plant was established. Second, he drew attention to a fatal shooting at a salon in Jinthupitiya, urging the Government to take firm action on public security, noting that constituents had voted for the Government expecting protection from such incidents. Third, he pressed for the expedited release of translated Qur'an copies currently withheld, referencing a prior commitment by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to convene a meeting with Muslim MPs and stakeholders, and urging that this meeting be held promptly. Finally, he urged a swift decision on the opening of the Ilavankulam road, noting it would reduce travel distance to the North by approximately 80 kilometres and that no court order exists to justify its closure, despite a ministerial meeting on the matter being pending.
[4.46 p.m.]
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.
The Lakvijaya coal power station is located in Norochcholai in Kalpitiya, a multi-ethnic area rich in fisheries and agriculture. When the plant was established, locals protested—not against development, but to protect the environment, fisheries, and health. The then Government assured use of quality coal to control pollution and to provide local employment. However, jobs were not distributed fairly, and now there are doubts about coal quality. Going forward, tenders must prioritize “quality coal” explicitly.
Public safety is also a concern. Recently, there was a shooting at a salon in Jinthupitiya in which Mr. Sahreen of Vellimalai, Pandaravalli, died—we regard him as a martyr. Mr. Sameem is seriously injured; I pray for his speedy recovery. Such incidents are creating grave problems. People voted for this Government trusting it would protect them from such situations; today, many questions remain on security. Please take firm action.
On the release of translated copies of the Holy Qur’an currently withheld: the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs said they were not held for security reasons but on the recommendation of some Muslim organizations. People elected you to resolve such issues; instead of explanations, please act to release them quickly. I raised this in a previous sitting; the Minister undertook to meet with Muslim MPs and stakeholders to resolve it swiftly. We trust the President has directed the relevant ministry to facilitate release. Please convene the meeting soon and decide.
On the Ilavankulam road opening: the Ministers for Highways and for Environment are due to meet us shortly. When I raised this earlier in Parliament, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said a meeting would be convened soon to decide. I thank him and urge a speedy decision—this road reduces distance to the North by about 80 km; delays hinder regional progress. There is no court order to close it; even if some agree to closure, the people are firmly opposed.
Thank you.