(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Dhammika Wimalaratne, Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Board’s Electrical Engineers’ Union said that one hour power cut will be imposed today (24) and two-hour power cut tomorrow (25) as several power plants are running out of furnace oil.
He stated that the proposal will be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission today and timetable for the power cut will be announced by the media today (24).
Joint Secretary of the union Dhammika Wimalaratne stated that according to the information received, no ship carrying fuel oil will reach the island during this period.
The Sapugaskanda power plant, which generates 180 MW has been completely shut down due to the depletion of furnace fuel required for operation, the union said.
Due to the lack of rain, the power generation of hydro power plants could be disrupted in the future as well, and the power crisis in the country will intensify by the end of March, said the official.
However, participating in a media briefing yesterday, Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge stated that efforts are being made to supply electricity without any cuts.
