The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced the power cut schedule for the upcoming long weekend.

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake said that a five-hour power cut will be imposed tomorrow (14).

He said, however, that power cuts will not be imposed on Sunday, the 15th of May, on which falls the Vesak festival. 

Giving an update on the current electricity crisis, Janaka Rathnayake said the thermal power plants which use diesel and naphtha have not been operated in the last two to three days due to the lack of fuel. 

Stating that a crude oil vessel has already arrived in Sri Lanka, he said the government has been unable to find the necessary funds to release the ship to obtain the necessary stocks of fuel. 

The PUCSL Chairman pointed out that 45% of the power generation has been taking place over the last few days through hydropower plants.

Commenting on the breakdown at the Norochcholai power plant, Rathnayake said it is expected for the power plant to be reconnected to the National Grid by the 22nd of May.

He further said that there is a possibility of the duration of the power cuts being reduced as Sri Lanka is expected to experience more rains over the next few weeks.

Rainfall will further increase the capacity of the hydro, mini-hydro, and wind power plants, the PUCSL Chairman said. 

Janaka Rathnayake said, as a result, it will not be required to impose power cuts for over 10 hours in the next two to three months.