A technical fault in the electricity supply system between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya caused widespread power outages across several areas in Sri Lanka, according to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).  

The fault led to a change in the frequency of the national power grid, which caused the steam turbine at the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant to shut down and disconnect from the system.

This resulted in a loss of approximately 55 megawatts of power capacity from the national grid.  

The CEB assured the public that the situation was quickly brought back under control, and normal power supply was restored within a few minutes.

The authorities continue to monitor the grid to prevent similar issues in the future.