One of the three 300MW generator units at the Norochcholai Lakvijaya coal power plant was shut down on Sunday due to a seasonal drop in electricity demand during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday.
A plant spokesperson confirmed that Units 2 and 3 continue to operate normally, providing up to 600MW to the national grid. The combined capacity of all three units is 900MW. Electricity demand typically falls during Avurudu as factories, offices and commercial establishments close for the festivities.
The shutdown is routine and unrelated to the coal quality controversy that triggered a no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody last week. That debate centred on substandard coal imports that caused an estimated 250 GWh in lost generation and Rs. 2.24 billion in efficiency losses.
The timing coincides with the arrival of a 30,000MT furnace oil shipment that further stabilises the grid during the holiday period.
With demand down and fuel supply secured, Sri Lanka’s power grid faces its lowest stress levels in weeks — a brief respite before industrial activity resumes after the Avurudu break.
