Power Supply Expected to Return to Normal Within Two Days; Government Denies Allegations of Substandard Coal

22-Oct-2026

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The current power supply disruptions in the country are expected to be brought completely under control within the next two days, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He explained that the power cuts were caused by a sudden technical fault in Unit 1 of the Norochcholai Power Plant.

He made these remarks at the weekly Cabinet decisions briefing held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo on October 20, 2026.

The Minister further stated that the power disruptions had resulted from the sudden breakdown of Unit 1 at the Norochcholai Power Plant. He said the fault was being rectified and that electricity supply would return to normal shortly.

He also rejected any connection between the technical fault at the Norochcholai plant and the quality of the imported coal. He noted that the relevant unit had been shut down for maintenance for 62 days, from July 30 to September 30, and that new coal had been in use since September 4.