CEB announces possible short-term power cuts over next few days

Short-term disruptions to electricity supply can be expected island-wide in the next few days, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says.

According to the CEB, the power cuts will last until the three power plants generating 900 MW of electricity at Norochcholai power plant become fully functional.

Major disruptions to the electricity supply were reported across the country at around 11.30 a.m. this morning following a breakdown in transmission lines.

The CEB explained that the situation was a result of a failure of a transmission line from Kotmale grid sub-station to Biyagama grid sub-station. 

The power outages also led to a water cut in Colombo and the suburbs as the operations at Ambatale and Biyagama water treatment plants were disrupted.

Further, the water supply to Thambalagamuwa, Kinniya and Trincomalee areas were also interrupted after the operations at Kantale water treatment plant were hampered.

The electricity supply to several areas in Colombo was restored at around 2.00 p.m. Subsequently, the power supply on Anuradhapura-Habarana, Laxapana-Athurugiriya and Kotmale-Biyagama transmission lines was re-established.

Following the reports on power outages, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) said its work-to-rule campaign was briefly called off. The union members launched a work-to-rule campaign on November 25 over several issues including the controversial Yugadanavi power plant deal. Later, on December 01, the members also withdrew from power restoration activities with immediate effect.