Generator shut down at Sapugaskanda power plant

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that a 63 megawatt (MW) power generator at the Sapugaskanda Power Plant has been shut down due to the lack of fuel. 

The CEB Spokesman also said that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is supplying 900 metric tonnes of fuel at the moment. 

Meanwhile the Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge says that Lanka IOC has turned down the request to supply fuel to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for electricity generation, as it does not possess extra stocks of fuel at the moment.

Minister Lokuge had said earlier that the CEB would seek fuel supplies needed to generate power until January 22 until the Norochcholai power plant in restored.

Despite LIOC declining the ministry’s request, the minister said he is hopeful that necessary facilities will be available by later today to obtain fuel from the oil tanker docked at the Colombo Port, if it can be released on time.

Speaking to reporters in Colombo, Minister Lokuge said the matter was also taken up with the Central Bank Governor.

He further said that approximately 90-minute disruptions to the power supply can be expected if this oil tanker is unable to supply fuel and that authorities have already been instructed to prepare a schedule in the event of such power cuts.