Deputy minister Ajith P. Perera says there is suspicion of sabotage, noting a similar power outage a fortnight ago.

The matter will be dealt with an open mind through a scientific investigation, he said.

Due to the blackout, all three phases of Norochcholai thermal power plant have become inactive, and it will take around three days for restoration, he said.

Engineers are hard at work at the main control room of the CEB to restore the supply fully, and Perera is there, BBC Sandeshaya reports.

Meanwhile, CEB chairman A.S. Wijayapala says he will accept responsibility and resign from the position.

He says he is ashamed that there had been three blackouts within a space of Three months.