Hon. Hector Appuhamy
2026-03-03
Hon. Hector Appuhamy challenged the Minister over two energy-related issues: the management of the Trincomalee tank farm and environmental harm caused to residents near the Norochcholai power plant. He referenced a pre-election statement by the current President claiming his government would better manage fuel resources through the Trincomalee facility, implying the Government has failed to deliver on this promise. He also called on the Minister to detail specific measures to address environmental damage caused by the burning of substandard coal at Norochcholai and to report back to Parliament.
Hon. Speaker, that was a threatening reply. I raised an issue affecting the people. Before this Government came to power, the current President said that if the Trincomalee tank farm had been with us, we knew how to manage fuel for the people. We saw you climbing into a tank, Hon. Minister, but do not now say there are no tanks to fill. Further, the Norochcholai area residents are suffering environmental damage from burning substandard coal. As the Member for the area, I ask you to state the steps you will take to mitigate the environmental harm and report to this House.