Hon. Sajith Premadasa
2026-03-03
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa responded to a preceding statement by raising concerns about the quality of coal imports, noting that 25 coal ships have been ordered and that imports continued even after an Adjournment Debate on the matter. He alleged that the imported coal fails to meet technical specifications — including insufficient GCV (Gross Calorific Value) to generate the required 300 MW and problematic ash content — contrasting this with eleven Russian ships that he stated fully met standards and achieved the 300 MW target.
I respond to what was raised. Perhaps you are unaware that 25 coal ships have been ordered. Even after the Adjournment Debate, coal was imported. There are serious quality issues; the coal cannot generate 300 MW; the GCV is below specification; ash and other parameters are problematic. For your attention, Hon. Minister: all eleven Russian ships met standards and generated 300 MW.