It’s time to move beyond coal

MP Ramanathan Archchuna’s decision to raise the alleged coal procurement irregularities with the IMF delegation, during his recent meeting alongside Opposition MPs, brings renewed attention to a deeper and more pressing concern Sri Lanka’s continued reliance on coal.

At a time when the country is grappling with severe foreign exchange constraints, the justification for importing coal at significant cost demands urgent scrutiny. Beyond the financial burden, the environmental and public health consequences are profound. Coal combustion releases harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide, all of which contribute to deteriorating air quality and increased health risks.

Coal-related activities result in contamination of groundwater, soil, and marine ecosystems through fly ash and coal dust. These pollutants not only threaten biodiversity but also impact agriculture and coastal livelihoods. Additionally, coal usage exacerbates coastal erosion and accelerates climate change, undermining long-term environmental stability and the wellbeing of communities.

In this context, the silence of key regulatory bodies such as the Central Environment Authority (CEA) and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) is both puzzling and concerning. Their mandate to safeguard environmental standards and promote sustainable energy solutions should place them at the forefront of this national debate.

Moreover, the continued importation of coal even after concerns over substandard supplies raises serious questions about policy direction and accountability. Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture. Transitioning towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources is no longer optional; it is an imperative. The economic, environmental, and social costs of coal far outweigh its short-term benefits.

It is time to act decisively, and move beyond coal.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo