News
Coal ash surge at N’cholai power plant raises fresh environmental concerns
Environmental groups have raised fresh concerns over increasing levels of coal ash generated at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, warning of serious environmental and public health risks if proper disposal mechanisms are not urgently implemented.
Environmental scientist and Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Chairman Hemantha Withanage, in a strongly-worded comment yesterday, said the growing volume of ash was being treated as a “blessing” by authorities, while, in reality, it posed a major ecological threat.
He told The Island: “More coal and more ash are being celebrated as a blessing. People around Norochcholai should get ready to apply it on their foreheads — and this will affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”
Norochcholai, Sri Lanka’s largest coal-fired power station, produces thousands of tonnes of fly ash and bottom ash annually. Environmentalists say a significant portion of this waste is either inadequately stored or disposed of without proper environmental safeguards.
Withanage said coal ash contains toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead, which can contaminate soil, groundwater and nearby marine ecosystems.
“Coal ash is not ordinary waste. It is a hazardous industrial material. If it leaks into the environment, it can enter food chains and drinking water sources,” he said.
He warned that communities living around Norochcholai were already exposed to air pollution from ash particles, especially during windy conditions, leading to respiratory problems and long-term health risks.
CEJ has repeatedly called for a transparent national policy on coal ash management, including safe storage facilities, independent monitoring, and exploring environmentally responsible reuse options under strict regulation.
Withanage stressed that while some countries recycle coal ash in construction materials, Sri Lanka lacks the regulatory framework and technical safeguards to do so safely.
“Without proper standards, recycling can become another pathway for toxic exposure,” he cautioned.
Environmentalists are also urging the government to accelerate the transition away from coal towards renewable energy, arguing that continued dependence on coal will only multiply waste and health burdens in the coming years.
Norochcholai supplies nearly one-third of the country’s base-load electricity, but has remained controversial, since its commissioning, due to repeated technical failures, marine pollution concerns and its long-term environmental footprint.
“With climate change and public health risks, coal is a problem we should be reducing, not normalising,” Withanage said. “Otherwise, the ash will eventually come back to all of us.”
by Ifham Nizam
USS Canberra of the United States Navy departed the island on 14 Jun 26, following a successful replenishment port call. The Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional naval farewell to the departing vessel at the Port of Colombo.
During the ship’s stay, the Commanding Officer of USS Canberra called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters
News
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the use of local organic agricultural products in bakery production would provide significant support to both local farmers and the growth of the tourism industry.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Annual meeting of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on Friday (12 June).
The Prime Minister stated,
“At a decisive moment when the country is moving towards a new phase of economic transformation, I believe that the bakery industry has the potential to become a key driver of the national economy, rather than remaining limited to flour-based products alone.
The food production must be mainly considered the quality and safety of food. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on taste, we should introduce nutritious and healthy products to the market that are free from artificial flavourings and colourings.
By using ingredients such as rice flour, finger millet, foxtail millet, green gram, and indigenous tubers to create value-added products, the bakery industry has the opportunity to capitalize on the growing global trend towards health-conscious diets.
The use of local organic agricultural products in food prepared for foreign tourists will provide substantial benefits to local farmers while also contributing to the growth of the tourism industry. At the same time, the government remains committed to strengthening local entrepreneurs by reducing challenges related to the importation of raw materials, providing concessionary loans for new technologies, and offering the technical assistance required to meet international standards.
The government has already launched programmes through the Ministry of Industries to provide the necessary training and market linkages to help small and medium-scale bakery owners develop and expand their businesses”.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association N.K. Jayawardana, and a number of members of the Association were also present at the event.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from the UNICEF on Friday (June 12) at Temple Trees to discuss ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the education sector following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
Discussions focused on the implementation of activities outlined in the report titled “Cyclone Ditwah Education Emergency Response Plan: Phase 1 Progress Updates (January–April 2026).” The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved during the initial phase of the response and to discuss future interventions aimed at supporting children and schools affected by the disaster.
The Prime Minister and the UNICEF delegation also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to ensure the continuity of education and the well-being of affected children.
The UNICEF delegation included Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative, Begona Arellano, Deputy Representative, and other UNICEF officials.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
USS Canberra departs Colombo
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister meets with UNICEF delegation
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