Energy Minister absent to answer question on nationwide power failure

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was absent today when New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake raised a question under Standing Orders regarding the recent all-island power outage. 

Mr Karunanayake asked about the root causes of the power outage and how the "monkey incident" at Panadura substation contribute to the outage and whether this was the first time an animal has caused a nationwide blackout.

The MP also asked what steps were taken to restore, or mitigate the disruptions to essential services and why did it take approximately six hours to restore electricity across the country, what measures are being taken to prevent such widespread power failures in future and the timeline for implementing these measures. He also questioned whether there were any prior warnings of potential grid instability that were overlooked

Mr Karunanayake further asked for the estimated economic impact of this power outage on business and households and what compensation, if any, is being considered for those affected. 

The NDF MP expressed disappointment that the Energy Minister was not present to answer the question as he had raised it under Standing Order 27.2, and had submitted the question well in advance as is required. 

Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa stressed the Minister will provide a comprehensive explanation on the power failure to Parliament within this week. 

Minister Jayatissa also asked opposition MPs to stop repeatedly bringing up the "monkey episode" since it was now over.