Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party, MP Ravi Karunanayake, has raised concerns regarding the quality of imported coal and the handling of the related tender process.
Speaking in an interview with ceylonwire.lk, Karunanayake questioned the government’s role in the matter and alleged that some coal shipments failed to meet the required quality standards.
According to the MP, several shipments had already arrived, while additional consignments were still pending. He claimed that the minimum required gross calorific value for imported coal is 5900, but some shipments allegedly contained coal with significantly lower quality levels.
Karunanayake alleged that one shipment had reportedly recorded a calorific value as low as 4800, raising concerns about whether proper quality checks and safeguards were being enforced.
He further stated that existing agreements reportedly allow authorities to reject shipments if quality standards are repeatedly violated, but questioned whether such provisions were being properly implemented.
The MP also referred to comments by Minister Bimal Ratnayake regarding potential difficulties in securing future coal supplies if shipments are cancelled.
Karunanayake argued that while maintaining energy supplies is important, accepting substandard imports could undermine accountability and transparency in procurement processes.
