Sri Lanka's infamous Chinese-built Lakvijaya Power Station in Norochcholai has broken down for the 26th time, since its opening in 2010.
The plant, Sri Lanka’s only coal powered plant, reportedly experienced problems in the conductivity of water used to generate electricity, causing yet another shutdown. It was active for only 5 days, following a previous shut down on January 5th.
According to Bandula Chandrasekara consultant of the National Electricity Consumers' Movement, each time the plant suffers a breakdown, there is a Rs. 26 million cost in restarting it.
A team of Chinese engineers are being called in for the repair, as they have been for previous shutdowns. In 2012, an earlier breakdown at the plant had caused island-wide power shortages.
When questioned last year over whether the plant is “sub-standard”, CEB Engineers Union President Nandika Pathirage had responded,
"We cannot compare a BMW with a Maruti".
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