Power cuts reported from several areas

Power cuts in many areas of the island experienced at the moment since several power plants malfunctioned due to lack of fuel, stated the Ceylon Electricity Board Spokesman. 

Meanwhile, internal sources from the CEB stated that the national electricity grid had become unbalanced which is also another reason for the power outages.

Meanwhile, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Ramesh Pathirana stated that power outages in the country are possible at least until 20 January.

Although CEB released a schedule alleging that a one-hour power cut will take place at allocated times, the power cuts that took place in the last few days did not adhere to the said schedule.

Earlier today, engineers warn that although the technical issue at a generator at the Kelanitissa power plant has been repaired, a power outage is imminent.

According to engineers, this is due to the fact that the water level in hydropower plants has dropped to 35% and the situation that has arisen with the foreign exchange crisis in the operation of fuel power plants.

However, Power Minister Gamini Lokuge alleges that some engineers prefer to talk about power cuts. The Minister further stated that steps will be taken to minimize the purchases of electricity from the private sector and to maintain the supply.