CEB launches investigation into Power Outage

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has launched an investigation into the power outages reported in various parts of the island on Monday night (Nov. 29). The General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board was instructed to conduct the investigation in this regard, M.M.C. Pradinando, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board told News 1st on Tuesday (Nov. 30). The supply of power was restored at around 9:00 PM last night (29), Sulakshana Jayawardena, the Spokesperson at the Ministry of Power noted. The power outage had occurred due to an error in the transmission line from the Kothmale Grid substation to the Biyagama Grid substation at around 7:35 PM on Monday (29). "The generation of power from Mahaweli Hydropower stations was interrupted, resulting in power failures in several Grid Substations and areas including Sapugaskanda, Athurugiriya, Pannipitiya, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Kurunegala, Habarana, Matara, and Galle," Jayawardena added. According to News 1st correspondents, several areas including Chilaw, Madampe, Kakkapalliya, Telijjawila, Hakmana, Weligama, and Ambalangoda were without power for about an hour and a half on Monday night (29). There were partial power outages in Kelaniya, Biyagama, Makola, and surrounding areas yesterday. Meanwhile, the 'Work to Rule' trade union action launched by the Engineers Union of the Ceylon Electricity Board continues today (30) as well, for the sixth consecutive day. The CEB Engineers' Union launched the 'Work to Rule' campaign citing six demands, including the cancellation of the informal and illegal New Fortress LNG deal and the continuation of the ongoing LNG tender process.