Power cuts will not be imposed from April 13-15 in view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Power cuts for a period of four hours will be imposed today and tomorrow, and for a period of two hours and 15 minutes on April 16 and 17.

The power cuts have been approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). Its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said heavy showers experienced countrywide will enhance the capacity to generate more hydro power.

The Meteorology Department, however, pointed out that the catchment areas had not recorded considerable rainfall within the 24 hours ended at 8am yesterday. Its Duty Forecaster said that the Samanalawewa area recorded a 41mm of rainfall, while Ukuwela recorded 27.5mm, Norton 25mm, Canyon 19.6mm, Laxapana 16mm and Kotmale 5mm.

The CEB statistics showed that fossil fuel (coal and oil) contributed 68.75 percent to the total power generation on Saturday, while the hydro power contribution (including mini-hydro) was about 11 percent.