Sri Lanka experiences nationwide power outage

Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage on Saturday due to a system instability, with authorities working to restore electricity supplies, the government's information department said.

The state-owned National System Operator (NSO) said it was working on restoring the system and requests the rooftop solar PV system owners to disconnect their systems until further instructions “in order to support the restoration efforts.”

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said a breakdown at the Upper Kotmale Power Station was suspected to have caused the outage.

Authorities said power disruptions were reported in several parts of the island as efforts continued to restore supplies.

Later in the day, the NSO denied reports of power plant breakdowns following the nationwide outage, saying operational hydropower plants remain online to help restore supplies.

It said the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant was shut down under standard procedures, not due to a mechanical failure.

Electricity was being restored area by area since noon, with several areas of Colombo, Gampaha, Galle and Badulla regaining power, it said.

The NSO said it expected the national grid to be fully restored by around 6.30 pm local time (1300GMT).