• PUCSL approves 13-hour countrywide power cut for today as requested by CEB 

Today’s power shedding announced by PUCSL is the longest for Sri Lanka in 26 years, running up to 13 hours, thereby renewing fears that more power cuts are in the offing owing to continuous failure by the Government to resolve the foreign exchange crisis and the resultant energy supply fiasco.

The power shedding for today also includes industrial zones, amidst assurance from Government for uninterrupted supply for export enterprises.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday said it approved the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) request for 13 hour power interruptions countrywide for today.

Even yesterday, the electricity consumers were furious with the 10-hour power cuts experienced countrywide and expressed their frustration of the Government and its failure to provide prompt solutions for power and energy crisis.

The CEB had sought to increase the duration of power cuts to 13-hours due to the unavailability of fuel for thermal power plants.

As a result, the areas listed below groups will experience power interruptions of 13-hours throughout the day.

• Areas A, B, C, D, E and F — Three hours from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. / four hours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. / six hours from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

• Areas G, H, I, J, K and L – Three hours from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. / Four hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. / Six hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Areas P, Q, R and S – Three hours from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. / Four hours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. / Six hours from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

• Areas T, U, V and W – Three hours from 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. / Four hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. / Six hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Areas M, N, O, X, Y and Z (feeders supplying to industrial zones) – Three hours and 30 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. / Two hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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