Power outages have resumed in Sri Lanka amid ongoing challenges at the Lakvijaya (Norochcholai) coal-fired power plant, raising concerns about the country's energy security and fuel procurement practices. The recent six-hour nationwide blackout on Saturday was attributed to a generation shortfall at Norochcholai, linked to the use of low-quality coal. Although authorities increased diesel power generation to delay power cuts, the capacity gap has now become apparent.

The government has assured the public that power supply will stabilize soon, but uncertainty remains over when the Norochcholai plant can fully resume operations. Coal-fired power stations generally require several days to restart after a shutdown, contingent on the extent of any technical faults or repairs. The possibility of significant damage to plant components could prolong the outage for weeks, experts warn.

Meanwhile, reliance on diesel-fired power to compensate for lost coal generation has imposed heavy financial burdens. Opposition groups estimate that the increased diesel usage costs more than Rs. 1.3 billion daily. Compounding the issue is a global shortage of diesel supplies, with the International Energy Agency cautioning that tight market conditions could persist through 2027. The government has underscored that diesel is heavily subsidized, making extended dependence on oil-based generation unsustainable.

Questions have emerged regarding whether substandard coal contributed to the Norochcholai outage, although both the government and the National System Operator have denied any connection between coal quality and the shutdown. Industry experts note that plant failures linked to inferior coal are common internationally. Studies from countries such as China and India document operational problems, including corrosion and abrasion caused by high sulphur content and ash-rich fuels. These cases highlight the importance of enforcing coal quality standards and conducting independent verification.

Calls for a transparent technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the Norochcholai failure have intensified.

In a related development, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) summoned former Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris to record a statement concerning an investment promotion meeting held during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration. Prof. Peiris welcomed probes into corruption allegations but cautioned against their use to stifle political opposition.

At the same time, critics point to a lack of similar scrutiny directed at those responsible for procuring the reportedly substandard coal implicated in the power plant breakdown. The Opposition alleges that this coal procurement scandal surpasses the magnitude of the 2015 Treasury bond controversy. These allegations have fueled debate over the government’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability in handling state resources.