A sudden power outage in Sri Lanka’s hill country left Sri Pada pilgrims stranded overnight on the sacred route, exposing the severe impact of electricity disruptions on both worshippers and local communities.
A widespread power outage in the Maskeliya region has created serious difficulties for both electricity consumers and Sri Pada pilgrims travelling through the area. Since the night of the 10th, several estates and towns including Maskeliya, Rikatan and Nallathanni have experienced prolonged electricity failures under the Maskeliya Electricity Consumer Center.
The blackout along the Nallathanniya to Sri Pada Uda Maluwa road left many pilgrims stranded in darkness during the night. Devotees climbing the sacred Sri Pada mountain say they were forced to remain on the Karuwela road until dawn due to the absence of lighting and safety conditions along the route.
Pilgrims also claim that electricity remained available only at the Sri Pada Maluwa itself through a supply connected from the Ratnapura Palabaddara route, leaving other sections of the pilgrimage path without power.
Officials say ongoing trade union actions within the Ceylon Electricity Board have delayed restoration efforts. The outage has also disrupted drinking water distribution in Maskeliya as pumping from Maskeliya Oya stopped without electricity.
Residents now face severe hardship amid the continuing dry weather.
