February 18, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has outlined a series of immediate and long-term actions to address grid stability concerns following the nationwide power failure that occurred on 9 February 2025.

The incident, which took place at 11.13 a.m., left much of Sri Lanka without electricity and caused significant disruption to daily life.

In response, the CEB has assured the public that corrective steps are already underway to ensure a more stable and resilient national grid.

The power failure was traced to a disturbance at the 33kV Panadura Grid Substation, which led to a rapid voltage drop throughout the electricity network.

At the time of the incident, over half of the nation’s electricity demand was being met by solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, with additional power supplied from the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai and various hydropower stations.

However, the high share of non-synchronous solar PV generation left the grid vulnerable to instability.

The CEB explained that the lack of synchronous power generation contributed to low system inertia, making the grid prone to faults.

As the disturbance triggered an imbalance between supply and demand, this led to cascading disconnections and, ultimately, the complete loss of power.

Several key factors contributed to the magnitude of the outage. Firstly, the high penetration of solar PV, combined with low grid inertia, left the system exposed to voltage and frequency disturbances.

Secondly, the sharp voltage drop caused many solar PV systems to automatically disconnect, exacerbating the instability.

Additionally, the automatic response by the Norochcholai Power Plant to the disturbance—while preventing potential internal damage—resulted in further strain on the grid.

The power failure was also influenced by the “Sunny Sunday” effect, where a low weekend demand combined with high solar generation created an unstable situation.

With industries and commercial customers offline, the grid was operating with reduced demand and reduced inertia, heightening its susceptibility to such disturbances.

In the wake of this event, the CEB has implemented a number of urgent measures aimed at stabilising the national grid and preventing future outages.

These include ensuring that more synchronous generators are maintained at a minimum generation level and operating selected gas turbines in synchronous condenser mode at critical locations to support voltage stability.

The CEB has also curtailed the generation of ground-mounted solar PV systems during low-demand periods, when necessary, to reduce the risk of grid instability.

Looking ahead, the CEB is pursuing medium-term strategies to further improve grid reliability.

This includes adjusting rooftop solar PV inverter settings to prevent unnecessary disconnections during minor disturbances and introducing special industrial tariffs to encourage industries to operate during off-peak hours.

In addition, the CEB is promoting solar installations paired with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to improve grid resilience and stability.

The CEB also outlined several long-term solutions to modernise the grid and better integrate renewable energy sources. Key initiatives include deploying grid-forming inverters with BESS to provide synthetic inertia and stabilise frequency fluctuations.

Furthermore, the CEB is working to install emergency backup generators at the Norochcholai Power Plant to ensure rapid reconnection in the event of future disconnections.

The Maha Oya Pumped Hydro Project, a 600 MW storage facility, is also set to play a crucial role in enhancing grid flexibility and energy security.

Additionally, the CEB is advancing investments in Smart Grid technology to improve real-time monitoring and control of renewable energy inputs.

The CEB concluded by acknowledging the significant inconvenience caused to the public by the power outage and reaffirming its commitment to providing a resilient, reliable, and future-proof electricity supply.

February 18, Colombo (LNW): The highly anticipated debate on the second reading of the 2025 national budget will begin in Parliament today (18), marking the start of critical discussions on the country’s financial future.

The debate is set to run until February 25, culminating in a vote on the second reading of the budget later that evening.

This period is expected to be a significant opportunity for parliamentarians to deliberate on the budgetary proposals, including allocations for key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Following the second reading debate, the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will take place over a span of 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to 21.

This phase of the discussion will allow for a more detailed examination of specific budgetary allocations and the proposed distribution of public funds across various government departments and projects.

The final vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled for 21 March at 6:00 PM. This will mark the conclusion of the budgetary process, with Parliament giving its final approval to the government’s financial plan for the year.

February 18, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo District Court has today dismissed a petition seeking an injunction to delay the upcoming election for the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which is due to take place on February 19, 2025.

The application, filed by Attorney-at-Law Lilanthi de Silva (case number DSP/63/2025), requested a court order to temporarily halt the election proceedings.

However, Colombo District Court Judge Sandun Vithana ruled against granting the enjoining order, allowing the election to proceed as planned.

With the court’s decision, the election for the position of BASL President will go ahead without disruption on Wednesday (19).

The contest for the prestigious role will see former BASL Secretaries Rajeev Amarasuriya and Dr. Sunil Abeyaratne vying for the presidency for the 2025–2026 term.

In a related development, Anura Meddegoda PC, who had initially submitted his nomination for the post of President, recently decided to withdraw his candidacy, leaving the two remaining contenders to compete for the role.

The legal representatives involved in the case included Upul Jayasuriya PC, who appeared for the plaintiff, and Ali Sabry PC, who represented Rajeev Amarasuriya.

In other news, Attorney-at-Law Chathura Galhena was elected unopposed as BASL Secretary for the 2025–2026 term, securing his position without any contest.

February 18, Colombo (LNW): The re-scrutinised results of the 2023 (2024) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination were made available late last night (17).

Students and the public can now access the updated results through the official websites of the Department of Examinations at www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.

The release of these re-scrutinised results follows an extensive review process, allowing those who requested a re-check to view their final marks.

The Department of Examinations has also reminded individuals that should they have any questions or concerns regarding the outcomes of their examinations, they are welcome to contact the department through several communication channels.

For further assistance, individuals can reach out via the following methods:

• Hotline: 1911
• Contact Numbers: 0112784208, 0112784537, 0112785922
• Fax: 0112784422

February 18, Colombo (LNW): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel, is set to make an official visit to Sri Lanka from February 18 to 21, 2025.

This visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations, with a series of key meetings on the agenda.

During his time in Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Khaleel will engage in courtesy meetings with President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, marking a significant opportunity for diplomatic exchanges between the leaders.

These discussions are anticipated to cover a broad range of topics, including strengthening regional cooperation, trade, and mutual interests.

The Maldivian delegation will also hold in-depth talks with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

These official discussions will focus on advancing cooperation on matters of mutual concern, with particular emphasis on regional security and economic collaboration.

Accompanying Foreign Minister Khaleel on this important trip will be Fathimath Inaya, the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives, ensuring that the diplomatic team is well-equipped for the high-level discussions that will take place during their stay.

February 18, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts in the evening or night, and a few showers may occur in Uva province and in Ampara and Hambantota districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (18).

Mainly dry weather will prevail over other areas of the island.

A cold weather can be expected in the Northern, North-central provinces and Trincomalee district during the early morning.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Badulla districts during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

February 17, Colombo (LNW): The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar, has been officially extended, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Justice Laffar took the oath of office for the extended term in a ceremony held today, 17th February, at the Presidential Secretariat.

The solemn occasion was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who administered the oath, along with Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Secretary to the President, who was present to witness the event.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued a Heat Index Advisory for tomorrow (18), warning of elevated temperatures across several regions, including the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, and Southern provinces, as well as the Rathnapura district.

According to the advisory, the heat index, which refers to the temperature that the human body actually experiences, is expected to reach ‘caution’ levels in some areas within the affected regions.

This means that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to fatigue, and continued physical activity could result in heat cramps.

In light of these conditions, the public is urged to take precautions. Authorities recommend staying hydrated, seeking shade whenever possible, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities to prevent overheating.

Additionally, people are encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those in poor health, avoid leaving children unattended in vehicles, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing, preferably white or light-coloured, to minimise the effects of the heat.

The Heat Index is calculated based on a combination of relative humidity and maximum temperature, reflecting the actual conditions felt by the body. This forecast is based on data from global weather prediction models and is specifically prepared for the following day’s conditions, rather than predicting the maximum temperature alone.