Fresh Coal Tender Tests Sri Lanka’s Transparency after Past Scandals
- CNL Reporter
- October 22, 2025
- Political
- Fresh Coal
- 0 Comments
Sri Lanka’s latest coal procurement tender has drawn intense scrutiny as the Lanka Coal Company (LCC) opened bids to supply 1.5 million metric tonnes for the Norochcholai power plant from December 2025 to May 2026. Ten companies have submitted proposals in what is seen as a key test of transparency following past controversies.
Attention has centred on Potencia LLC FZ, which entered the coal supply chain in 2022 through a novation of the previous contract awarded to Dubai-based Black Sand Commodities—later linked to Russia’s SUEK AG. The earlier deal was suspended after the Auditor General found multiple procurement irregularities, including altered bid documents and weak company verification.
Industry observers stress that all bidders must be evaluated equally this time to restore credibility. With Lakvijaya supplying nearly 40% of Sri Lanka’s power, the outcome of this tender carries high stakesnot just for energy security, but for public trust in state procurement.
