50 Percent Power Distribution Disrupted Due to Adverse Weather: Ceylon Electricity Board
30-Nov-2025.
Between 25 and 50 percent of the national power distribution system has been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions. Power supply to many areas has been suspended for public safety.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is currently prioritizing the restoration of power to essential services, although some delays are expected, said CEB General Manager Shirley Kumar at a media briefing held on November 28 at the CEB Headquarters.
He added:
The Kotmale and Rantambe hydroelectric power stations have been shut down. Rantambe was closed due to muddy water entering the system.
A main transmission tower has collapsed. Until repairs are completed, it is difficult to supply electricity to Mahiyanganaya, Ampara, and Vavuniya. A tower on the line from the Bowatenna Power Station to Ukuwela has fallen, preventing the release of water from Bowatenna. To preserve the integrity of the Bowatenna station, power has been cut. The Upper Kotmale Power Station has also been shut down due to heavy sediment and debris.
At Kotmale, one of the three generators had to be shut down due to water leakage, though the remaining two are still operational. All other power stations are running at maximum capacity. Rantambe has also been fully shut down.
Flooding and related impacts have caused between 25 and 50 percent of the distribution network to fail. Precise assessment is difficult since many areas remain inaccessible. The main substation near the Katambe Temple in Kandy is completely submerged, preventing supply to the Peradeniya University area and Kandy city.
Several other power lines have been disconnected due to safety concerns. Water-logged power lines pose a risk to human life and could damage equipment, making shutdowns necessary for public safety.
The CEB is prioritizing essential services first, after which household connections will be restored. Delays are expected. There are seven million customers nationwide, and many have lost electricity. Repairs must wait until water levels recede.
