News

Illicit Cigarettes Converted into Electricity at the ‘Waste-to-Energy Plant’ by Western Power Company

In collaboration with Sri Lanka Customs and Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, Western Power Company (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, facilitated the secure thermal destruction of a large consignment of illicit cigarettes. The consignment, which had been seized by Sri Lanka Customs, was destroyed recently at Western Power’s Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Plant in Kerawalapitiya.

The destroyed shipment consisted of approximately 3.1 million cigarettes, with a total weight of 4,450 kilograms. Delivered in a 20-foot container, the consignment was estimated by Ceylon Tobacco Company to hold a market value exceeding LKR 470 million. The entire volume was irreversibly incinerated using advanced waste-to-energy technology, ensuring that the illicit goods could not re-enter the market. This process generated over 1,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which was supplied to the national grid.

Leel Wickremarachchi, Managing Director of the Aitken Spence Power Sector, commented: "As a responsible energy partner, we are committed to supporting national efforts in curbing illegal trade. By safely incinerating this consignment, we not only helped prevent a significant loss to state revenue but also contributed to sustainable energy production. Our Waste-to-Energy plant will continue to serve as a vital resource in upholding environmental and regulatory standards in Sri Lanka."

Western Power Company (Pvt) Ltd operates Sri Lanka’s first and only Waste-to-Energy Power Plant, which has been converting non-recyclable waste into clean energy since its official launch four years ago. The 10 MW facility contributes electricity to the national grid—enough to power approximately 100,000 households—while playing a crucial role in responsible waste management.

This collaboration underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in safeguarding public interests, protecting state revenue, and advancing the country's green energy agenda.