Sri Lanka, Feb. 26 -- A doctors' trade union has raised serious concerns that the continuous burning of low-grade coal at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai could threaten the health of nearly 200,000 people living in surrounding areas.

Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa of the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights warned that coal being used at the plant may contain ash levels as high as 25 percent far above the recommended 10 percent limit. He said health risks sharply increase when ash content exceeds 20 percent.

According to him, around 5,000 people live within a five-kilometre radius of the plant, including residents of Norochcholai, Paniyadiya and Narakkaliya. Another 10,000 people live within the next five...