This particular electricity (amendment) bill was to be first introduced in 2001 by the UNF government, but it could not be presented to parliament as that government was defeated.

The government is paying attention to the three blackouts in recent times, and both president Maithripala Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have discussed the matter in detail, said a government spokesman.

The new law is to be introduced in view of no party taking responsibility for the blackouts, he said.

The government has also decided to appoint a services task comprising electricity engineers to deal with blackouts.

Support of state and private sector experts will be obtained for the purpose.