The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has stated that the Kelanitissa power plant has not received diesel for 12 days. Additional General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board Andrew Nawamani said that despite repeated requests from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for diesel, it has not yet received a favorable response.

He pointed out that the Thulhiriya and Matugama power plants have also been shut down due to lack of fuel. He said that the Sapugaskanda power plant also has fuel for another day only.

In this situation, there is a risk of a power crisis and there may be a need to go for a power cut, said Mr. Navamani. He further said that a final decision will be taken whether to carry out a power cut or not considering the situation that will arise after today (14).

Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema said that if the water level in the reservoirs associated with the hydro power plants gradually decreases, there could be a water crisis within the next two to three weeks.

The current water level is only enough to provide electricity for a period of two weeks and this is the lowest water level recorded in the last five years, he said. He also pointed out that the water level in the reservoirs will rise if there is some rainfall at present and if that rainfall continues till April.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board said that the Yugadanavi power plant, which was shut down due to a technical fault, could be reactivated by yesterday (13th) afternoon.