Sri Lanka hit by total blackout after grid disruption
Rooftop solar owners were asked to disconnect as power was restored gradually, with full recovery expected around 18:30 local time.
Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage on Saturday, Oct. 17, after the country’s electricity network was disrupted and supply from the main grid was cut for more than two hours. The national system operator and Electricity Distribution Lanka said restoration was being carried out gradually. Several areas, including Colombo, Gampaha, Galle and Badulla, were reported to be receiving power again. Authorities asked owners of rooftop solar systems to temporarily disconnect to help balance the grid. The cause of the disruption was still being investigated: some officials suspected excess solar power supply had exceeded daytime demand, while other reports pointed to a fault at Upper Kotmale Power Plant. Full restoration was expected around 18:30 local time.