The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has launched an investigation into the power outages reported in various parts of the country on Monday night.
Power Ministry Spokesman Sulakshana Jayawardena said power outages occurred due to a breakdown in the transmission line from Kotmale to Biyagama at around 7.35pm on Monday, and the power supply was restored to many areas around 9pm on the same day.
The power interruptions were reported in Pannipitiya, Ratmalana, Sri Jayewardenepura, Athurugiriya and Kosgama in the Colombo District, and some areas belonging to grid sub-stations at Sapugaskanda, Kurunegala, Kiribathkumbura, Peradeniya, Kandy, Gampola, Biyagama, Kotugoda, Habarana, Galle and Matara.
The Spokesman said the cause is suspected to be a technical error in the 220KV transmission line from the Kothmale to Biyagama, but an investigation has commenced to determine whether it was an act of sabotage. He added that 60-75 percent of the total demand is supplied from hydro power as at now. He noted that required maintenance work in the transmission line has commenced.
