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Energy expert warns CEB taking country for a ride through creative accounting

Published

4 years ago

2021/02/5

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Ensuring control over the country’s energy supply requirements was vital for its energy security and for a country like Sri Lanka that could come only by increasing the use of renewable energy, Engineer Parakrama Jayasinghe, former president of Bioenergy Association of Sri Lanka, told The Island.

Jayasinghe said that depending on coal or petroleum was not feasible for the country in the face of fluctuating prices of those commodities and the continuous devaluation of the rupee to the dollar, he said.

He said: “Unfortunately, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) doesn’t take these factors into consideration when taking decisions on the energy mix. They are set on coal and use creative accounting to show that coal is a cheap source of energy. A number of CEB and Ministry officials had claimed that they could produce a unit of electricity for about Rs. 7 to 8. They had done so by keeping the exchange rate at a constant, sometimes at around Rs. 150 per USD and setting the coal prices at around USD 50 per ton, which was the price when coal hit an all-time low last year.”

Jayasinghe said that renewable power such as wind and solar were pegged to the rupee and the money generated in this sector remained within the country. It is estimated that around 380 grams of coal is needed to produce a unit of electricity. This gives the coal cost per generation at Rs 9.12. When we add the diesel cost, the fuel cost per unit alone comes to about Rs. 9.90 per unit. With other costs of the plant (except financing) the unit cost reaches about Rs. 14.50.

Jayasinghe said: “Independent energy experts claim that a unit of energy created by the proposed new coal plants will be around Rs. 20. Soar and wind power is much cheaper. So, the claim that coal is the cheapest source of energy is simply wrong.”

Recently, independent energy expert, Vidura Ralapanawe said that the recovery of coal prices in the world market coupled with the decline in the value of the rupee would result in the cost of electricity generation increasing rapidly in Sri Lanka, especially with Norochcholai coal fired power plants accounting for the bulk of power produced in the country. He added that the recovery of coal prices, as demand picked up meant that calculations made by a number of energy sector decision makers as regards the cost of electricity in the future would be incorrect. “Coal cost has risen to USD 90 + FOB. With freight, insurance, VAT and lightering, the total cost of coal received by the plant is USD 120 per ton,” Ralapanawe said.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

6 mins ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.