Monkey Causes Islandwide Power Blackout in Sri Lanka

Monkey Causes Islandwide Power Blackout in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday, February 9, due to an unexpected intruder—a monkey. The disruption began around 11:30 AM local time when the animal made contact with a grid transformer, triggering an imbalance in the electrical system.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed that the incident occurred in a suburb south of Colombo. The unexpected fault led to widespread electricity disruptions, causing inconvenience to millions. Additionally, water supplies were affected in several areas.

By approximately 6:00 PM local time, power was fully restored across the country, according to reports from Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror. Authorities worked swiftly to rectify the issue, minimizing prolonged disruptions.

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This incident comes as Sri Lanka continues to recover from a severe economic crisis in 2022, when the nation endured extended blackouts due to fuel shortages. At the peak of the crisis, power rationing lasted up to 13 hours daily as thermal power stations struggled to operate without adequate fuel supplies.

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While occasional power outages are not uncommon, the involvement of a monkey in this large-scale blackout highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to external elements. Authorities may now consider reinforcing security measures at substations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Sri Lanka’s energy sector has faced multiple challenges in recent years, from economic downturns to technical failures. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust and resilient power grid.

For now, Sri Lankans can breathe a sigh of relief as normalcy returns. However, the unexpected nature of this outage underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure security and maintenance.

About the Author

Rafia Tasleem

Journalist

Rafia Tasleem is a seasoned journalist from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her expertise in content writing, investigative research, fact-based reporting, strategic media planning, presentation and lot more. With experience working for both national and international news organizations, she brings a deep understanding of media dynamics. Holding a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, she has been contributing to VoM News for the past two years. For inquiries, contact rafiatasleem@vomnews.in