Sri Lanka: Nationwide rolling power cuts begin March 25

Event

Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) implemented rolling four-hour power cuts across the country on Monday, March 25, in an effort to manage hydrological reservoirs. The blackout will take place on weekdays from 08:30 until 22:00 (local time) until at least late-April when the next inter-monsoon period is expected to start. A complete list of the management schedule can be found on the CEB website.

Context

According to the CEB, the current dry weather has resulted in very low levels at hydrological reservoirs. The rolling power cuts are intended to allow hydropower plants to provide above minimum operating levels for drinking and irrigation requirements.

Advice

Individuals in Sri Lanka are advised to anticipate blackouts in the coming weeks and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible. In addition, individuals are advised to be cautious when driving or crossing streets if traffic signals are not functioning.