Power breakdown: 2 separate inquiries

COLOMBO: Initial data shows that lightning strikes on the Kotmale to Biyagama transmission line had caused the island-wide power breakdown, a spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

However, Speaking during the parliamentary session, State Minister of Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha stated that two separate inquiries would be carried out by the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into the island-wide power breakdown.

Major power outages were reported across the island, where the CEB, the country’s power monopoly, attributed it to a breakdown in the transmission line from Kotmale to Biyagama.

Meanwhile, the power outages disrupted or supplied the water supply in several areas at low pressure.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said it restored the water supply in the affected localities within a few hours.

Nevertheless, the Railways Department said train operations remained uninterrupted by the island-wide power outages.

The Mahaweli Authority said several sluice gates of Polgolla, Victoria, Randenigala, and Rantembe reservoirs were opened as a result of the situation.