No Power Cuts as Sri Lanka Secures Coal and Boosts Hydropower

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka says the tender process for coal procurement, for coal required for the coming year has been fully completed.

He said new shipments of coal are expected to arrive in the country from the first week of September.

Accordingly Minister assured that there will be no power cuts in the country.

Under the new system, arrangements have been made to obtain the relevant inspection reports directly by the Lanka Coal Company, completely preventing financial and quality-related fraud that could occur through intermediaries.

The Minister also explained the increase in hydropower generation following the rainy weather experienced in the central hill country.

Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka explained that due to the heavy rainfall experienced across the island in August the country currently has sufficient water capacity for electricity generation, excluding the hydropower generation at the Randenigala Reservoir.

According to the Minister, by August 12, sufficient water had been received to generate 868 GWh of hydropower.

At present, 48% of the country’s electricity requirement is being met through hydropower generation.

Accordingly, the Minister assured the public that there will be no power cuts this year due to any shortage in electricity generation.