Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka’s electricity supply will remain stable through October, while warning that the country could face power-generation challenges in February and March 2027.
Speaking on the current power situation, Karunathilake said favorable rainfall in key reservoir catchment areas has improved the outlook for hydropower generation. Rainfall during August has exceeded earlier expectations, helping maintain water levels in several major reservoirs.
The Minister said reservoirs used for electricity generation are currently between 67.2% and 67.5% full, with the Mahaweli and Kotmale reservoirs exceeding 85% capacity. However, Samanalawewa and Randenigala remain at comparatively lower levels.
According to the Minister, the reservoirs currently hold sufficient water to generate approximately 862.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity. Around 140 gigawatt-hours of hydropower has already been generated, with wind and solar power contributing to the national supply.
Despite the favorable short-term outlook, Karunathilake warned that power-generation pressures could emerge in February and March next year, depending on rainfall and broader weather conditions.
To prepare for the potential challenge, the Ministry is accelerating the expansion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The government expects to add 160 megawatts of battery storage to the national grid by the end of this year, including 130 megawatts by the end of September and a further 10 megawatts by the end of October.
The Minister also said a 50-megawatt wind power project being developed with private-sector participation is nearing completion and is expected to be connected to the national grid before the end of the year.
Addressing concerns over the possible impact of El Niño, Karunathilake said drier conditions had been anticipated during July and August. However, actual rainfall has so far not had a negative impact on hydropower generation.
He said the Ministry would continue monitoring weather forecasts and accelerating investment in battery storage and renewable energy to strengthen the resilience of the electricity system ahead of the potentially more challenging period in early 2027.
