Another vessel carrying coal anchored near the Colombo Port has sparked controversy after concerns were raised regarding its compliance with tender specifications, the Free Lawyers Association said in a statement. 

The organisation noted that copies of the ship’s cargo manifest were circulated on 30 April to officials of the Ceylon Coal Company and the Energy Ministry Secretary, among others. 

According to the report, the vessel arrived from the Richards Bay Coal Terminal in South Africa carrying 59,766 metric tonnes of coal. The statement further claimed that the coal’s ash content stands at 16.8 per cent, exceeding the 16 per cent limit specified in the tender issued by the Ceylon Coal Company, potentially placing the shipment outside the required quality standards. The Association said the shipment may not be eligible for purchase even under penalty conditions due to the deviation from the specifications.

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka stated that the stock of coal, despite being of lower quality than required, could still be used for electricity generation at the Norochcholai Power Plant. He further said that legal action has already been initiated regarding issues related to the tender process and quality compliance. He also dismissed certain claims about the vessel, alleging that some parties are spreading false information for political purposes.