One-Hour Rotational Power Cuts to Be Imposed Across the Country at Scheduled Intervals

21-Oct-2026

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Power cuts lasting one hour are being imposed on a rotational basis at scheduled intervals across the country to prevent a complete collapse of the electricity grid, National Grid Corporation Chief Executive Officer Buddhika Samarasekara has said.

He explained that when faults occur at power generation plants, it can take several days for the facilities to return to normal operation and resume electricity generation.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has approved a proposal to impose one-hour power cuts across the island for three days, with the country divided into four zones numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Under the proposal, each zone will experience a one-hour interruption in electricity supply between 4.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. as part of measures to manage electricity demand.

Samarasekara made these remarks at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information on October 19, 2026.

He further stated that the nationwide power interruption on Saturday, October 17, was caused by a sudden frequency imbalance in the high-voltage transmission network.

During the incident, protection systems automatically activated and shut down power generation plants to prevent damage to generating equipment.

During efforts to restore the electricity system, the Ministry of Energy requested rooftop solar power producers to temporarily disconnect their systems.