Sri Lanka may stop hydro power generation by end April

Feb 20, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka will have to stop hydro power generation by the end of April if the prevailing dry weather condition continues, the power minister said.



Power Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya participating in Kegalle Development Committee meeting today stated that priority has to be given to save water for drinking and not for the electricity generation.

Government has already decided to use Castlereigh and Mawussakale reservoirs only to supply drinking water which further increases a looming power crisis. “If we only use current water levels at reservoirs for the electricity generation, we can generate electricity up to end May (31st May),” he said.



“But, our priority is supplying drinking water. So we may have to stop hydro power generation by 22nd April if rains got delayed further.



” The minister however pledged an uninterrupted power supply using more costly methods of electricity generation. The power minister while requesting the public to use electricity sparingly added that it is a victory for Sri Lanka if the country is able to save at least 50MW of power.

Siyambalapitiya also proposed to reduce the time period of lighting the street lamps by one hour to save more electricity. “Sri Lanka has one million street lamps,” Power Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

“If we can reduce half an hour each from morning and afternoon, it will be a great relief.





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