The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has directed officials to urgently develop a plan for the environmentally responsible disposal of ash emitted from the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. 

This instruction was issued during a parliamentary committee meeting held on 17 March, chaired by MP Hector Appuhamy, according to the Department of Communications of Parliament. 

The meeting revealed that issues with the quality of imported coal have led to a significant increase in ash emissions during power generation. The Committee emphasised that improper disposal of this ash could pose serious environmental risks in the future. Consequently, officials were tasked with formulating a disposal plan under the leadership of the District Secretary of Puttalam District.

Additionally, the Committee proposed exploring the reuse of the ash for production purposes, with any revenue generated to be allocated to welfare projects benefiting communities affected by the power plant.

The Committee also instructed the Central Environmental Authority to submit a detailed report assessing potential water and air pollution caused by the plant. Furthermore, the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority was asked to respond within two weeks regarding the questionnaire and relevant matters submitted by the Committee concerning the plant.

Representatives from the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority stated that, despite increased ash emissions, the plant’s filtration system is sufficient to absorb these particles. The meeting included detailed discussions on licensing and environmental protection measures for the power plant.