Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide blackout on Sunday after a monkey came into contact with a transformer, disrupting the entire power grid and plunging the island into darkness.
How Did It Happen?
According to Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kumara Jayakodi, the monkey triggered a system imbalance when it touched a transformer in the power network. The incident, which occurred at a substation south of Colombo, led to a complete power failure across the country at around 11 a.m.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Authorities have been working to restore electricity, prioritizing essential services like hospitals and water treatment plants. Many residents were forced to rely on generators while waiting for power to return.
Public Reaction: Criticism and Humor
The incident sparked a wave of reactions on social media. While some criticized the country’s outdated infrastructure, others couldn’t help but joke about the unusual cause of the blackout.
“A monkey shut down Sri Lanka’s entire power grid after causing a total failure at a substation in Colombo. One monkey = total chaos. Time to rethink the infrastructure.” – Mario Nawfal, on X
“Only in Sri Lanka can a group of monkeys fighting in a power station cause a blackout across the entire island.” – Jamila Hussein, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Mirror
Experts Warned of Grid Vulnerability
A report from Daily Mirror highlighted that engineers have long warned about the need to upgrade Sri Lanka’s aging power grid. One senior engineer, speaking anonymously, stated:
“The national power grid is in such poor condition that even a single line failure can trigger a nationwide blackout.”
A History of Power Struggles
This isn’t the first time Sri Lanka has faced power issues. In 2022, the country experienced frequent electricity outages due to a severe economic crisis.
Final Thoughts
While Sunday’s blackout was an unusual and tragic event, it highlights a deeper problem—Sri Lanka’s fragile power infrastructure. Without urgent upgrades, the country may continue to face unexpected and widespread outages.
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