2023 Sri Lankan blackouts

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The 2023 Sri Lankan blackouts were a series of nationwide electrical blackouts which occurred in Sri Lanka on 9 December 2023. Blackouts began at around 5.00 pm SLST (UTC+5:30) and lasted for over three hours. The nationwide blackouts occurred due to a systematic failure in the main supply chain and due to a breakdown of the Kotmale Biyagama transmission line.[1][2][3]

Development[edit]

The Ministry of Power and Energy issued a statement claiming that an islandwide blackout occurred due to the multiple lightning strikes on several transformers and power stations. The Ceylon Electricity Board insisted that it has been continuously working to restore the electricity in across all the regions of Sri Lanka.[4][5]

Background[edit]

Sri Lanka's electricity demand is currently met by thermal power stations (54.59%), major hydroelectric power stations (33.50%), wind farms (2.12%), small hydro facilities (8.01%) and other renewables such as solar (1.78%).[6] Sri Lanka as a whole last faced a major nationwide blackout in March 2016, which lasted for over eight hours.[7] Localised regional power cuts are common in Sri Lanka although nationwide blackouts are rare.

In 2022, Sri Lankans experienced daily power outages exceeding 10 hours per day at a time when the country was facing its worst economic crisis since its independence.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Jayasinghe, Uditha (9 December 2023). "Nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka due to a system failure - government official". Reuters. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  2. ^ Livemint (9 December 2023). "Nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka due to system failure | Watch video". mint. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Major power outages reported countrywide". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka due to a system failure - government official". The Hindu. Reuters. 9 December 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  5. ^ "Nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka: What we know so far". Hindustan Times. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  6. ^ Annual report 2018 Retrieved 22 March 2023
  7. ^ AFP. "Lanka plunged into darkness as power outage hits entire nation". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
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