The demand for electricity is 2,300 mw a day, but the CEB has only 1,900 mw, said power ministry secretary Suren Batagoda.

Restoration of the AES power plant will take at least three days, and power failures could be expected in certain areas in the meantime, he said.

As a result of the prevailing drought, 450 mw of hydropower as well as electricity generated by wind and small hydropower plants have been lost.

Power cuts despite assurances

Blackouts were reported in certain areas last night despite assurances by minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya of no more power cuts.

The CEB announced yesterday afternoon that power cuts of three hours a day would have to be effected in view of the prevailing situation.

A short while later, it withdrew a list in its website that detailed how the power cuts will be in force.

When questioned about the contradictory statements by officials, the ministry’s director (development) Sulakshana Jayawardena said the ministry did not approve of a power cut despite a proposal following the breakdown of the AES power plant.

Additional generation through hydropower could balance between the supply and demand and no power cuts are necessary, he said.

Considerable rainfall was recorded in hydro catchment areas yesterday and certain small hydropower plants have resumed operations, said Jayawardena.