SriLanka, Oct. 21 -- In what appears to be a confirmation of the political controversy surrounding inferior-quality coal imports, a parliamentary committee report has revealed that an additional over Rs. 15 billion had to be spent on power generation.

It includes over Rs. 7 billion for high coal consumption cost, Rs. 15 billion for the purchase of electricity for the compensation of shortfall triggered by the use of low quality coal, a further Rs. 80.4 million incurred in maintenance costs and other related costs.

The Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai has set the standard coal consumption rate at 0.3742 kg per unit of electricity generated. According to the report, any excess consumption above this standard is considered an addition...