COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratnayake says if steps are not taken promptly to bring down coal shipments, lengthy power cuts will be imposed from January.
Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said although Sri Lanka requires 38 coal shipments for next year, only six have arrived thus far.
Janaka Ratnayake made this claim while speaking to media after a discussion with civil organizations pertaining to power cuts and electricity tariffs.
He said since August they have received only five coal shipments and another is due in about two months.
The PUCSL Chairman noted that due to the shortage, they had recommended the Ceylon Electricity Board to use only two of the three generators of the Norochcholai Power Plant.
He said resources will be managed until the arrival of the next shipment.
Chairman Janaka Ratnayake noted that the remaining 30 to 31 coal shipments that are required for next year should be brought into the country between January and the 15th of April.
He said even if a ship arrives once in five days, only 20 shipments can be accepted during the period.
The PUCSL Chairman said therefore there is a risk of CEB running out of coal for power generation in 2023.
He said therefore the duration of power cuts will be longer from January.
