The Small Hydro Power Developers Association of Sri Lanka (SHPDA) has appealed to the Minister of Power and Energy to intervene and revoke the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) directive to shut down multiple small hydropower plants across the island, effective from 11 April.
In an official statement, SHPDA President Thusitha Peiris expressed strong opposition to the decision, calling it a “severe blow to Sri Lanka’s power sector” and a “direct threat to national energy security.” He criticized the shutdown, which was reportedly justified by the CEB as a grid-stabilization measure during the New Year festive period.
Peiris emphasized that small hydropower plants play a vital role in providing consistent, round-the-clock electricity, especially during peak night-time hours—unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind.
He argued that the directive reflects deeper systemic issues within the CEB, citing its lack of grid modernization, insufficient investment in technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and weather forecasting tools, and a failure in long-term system planning.
“The CEB’s decision to shut down these reliable power sources is a self-inflicted wound,” Peiris said, warning of significant economic repercussions. He noted that suspending the 450MW small hydro capacity for roughly eight hours daily could result in a daily loss of 1.8 million electricity units to the national grid.
The SHPDA also called on the Minister to direct the CEB to compensate small hydropower developers for their financial losses resulting from the shutdown.
In response, the CEB stated that the decision was prompted by a temporary drop in electricity demand during the New Year holidays due to the closure of factories, businesses, and offices. The utility assured that the move was intended to maintain grid stability during this period.
