PUCSL discusses environmental concerns with Norochcholai communities

Apr 28, 2017 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's power regulator said that discussions are ongoing with communities that have raised concerns over the environmental impact of the Norochcholai coal power plant.





The discussions come following Supreme Court direction to the Public Utilities Commission, the commission said issuing a statement.

"All matters concerning the environmental damage caused will be looked into by the PUCSL, the authority in law entitled to do so," the statement said. Currently a Fundamental Rights Application is ongoing at the Supreme Court on the environmental impact of the power plant.



The first meeting in this regard was held on 5^th April 2017 where representatives of various communities and institutions discussed in depth the issues voiced by villagers. At the second meeting held on 24th April 2017 the villagers submitted all their issues and concerns in writing to the commission.



The commission said it has commenced the process to reduce the damage caused by the fly ash as well as the remaining coal in that area.



The next meeting is scheduled for 22^nd May 2017 and the outcome of these discussions will be reported by PUCSL to the Supreme Court. The Lakvijaya Power Station, also known as the Norochcholai Power Station, is the largest coal power station in Sri Lanka with a capacity to generate 900 MW (about 39 percent of Sri Lanka’s total energy requirement).