Sri Lanka's Norochcholai coal power plant has failed again for the second time in a period of two months due to a fire within the coal crushers.

A similar fire erupted, in the power house on November 29 as well, disrupted power generation for nearly two months.

Mr Wimaladharma Abeywickrama chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board told media that the eruption of fires in the coal crushers due to overheating is common and action would be taken to repair the damage and recommence generation.

The chairman of the Electricity Board said that the recent fire occurred Thursday night and the suspended power generation of the plant would recommence by Friday night.

Board incurs heavy losses due to purchase of power from private sector at higher rates when Norochcholai coal plant fails.

The USD 450 million coal power plant that adds 300 megawatts to the national energy grid, commenced operations at the beginning of 2011.

(Sourced from www.colombopage.com)