Supply was curtailed for several hours to several areas yesterday.

The main reason cited is that the Norochcholai power plant is still inoperative.

Deputy minister Ajith P. Perera told Sri Lanka Mirror there could be power-cuts without prior notice, and asked consumers to use electricity sparingly.

Functions of hospitals, factories were affected due to yesterday’s power-cuts, and the railway signal system did not work too.

Meanwhile, the CID is investigating to find out if any sabotage was involved in the blackouts.

Army security & blame for blackouts

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday ordered that around 30 grid substations across the country be provided with Army protection.

He also appointed a committee to investigate the blackouts and make recommendations.

It comprises ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Susil Premajayantha, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Sagala Ratnayake and deputy ministers Ajith P. Perera and Eran Wickremaratne.

Meanwhile, the CEB workers union is blaming CEB engineers for the blackout two days ago.

Its president Malaka Wickremasinghe said the explosion at the Biyagama grid substation was due to a lack of proper maintenance.

The CEB engineers union said they admitted it was their fault.