The Ministry of Power and Energy stated that even though the water levels in the reservoirs in the catchment areas had dwindled due to the dry weather that prevailed during the past few weeks, this situation will not affect the power supply.
 

Accordingly the ministry of power and energy stated that by yesterday (2011.07.24) the water level of Castlereigh stood at M 12.53, Mausakale M 15.02, Kothmale M 30.53, Victoria M 31.16, Randenigala M 15.94 and Samanalawewa M 27.16. Currently hydro power meets only 24% of the total Power requirement.
 

The Ministry further stated that some media are spreading false rumors that the Laxapana reservoir is at spill level and the slues gates have been opened. However this is totally false, whereas the slues gates are opened about 2 inches for around 5 minutes in order to ease the pressure within the power station.
 

According to the Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka, although hydro power generation is at its lower level due to the lack of rains, the CEB will not impose power cuts taking into consideration the plight of students gearing up for the GCE A/L examinations.  Due to the low hydro power generating capacity Thermal Power generation is operating at peak capacity. Furthermore it is required to add to the national grid the highly costly thermal power especially during the peak times of between 6.00 and 10.00 pm.


Therefore the Minister of Power and Energy earnestly requested the public to conserve electricity at this critical time especially during the peak times from 6.00 to 10.00 pm.