Today’s power cut schedule
The Public Utilities Commission states that a power cut was granted today (08) as well. The commission announced power cuts for E and F areas between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm, 5 hours and 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm for two and a half hours. Areas P, Q, R, S T, U, V, W are allowed a 2-hour power cut between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm and a one-hour power cut from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Meanwhile, the Additional General Manager of the CEB Andrew Navamuni stated that power generation is currently underway at the Kelanitissa, Kerawalapitiya and Sapugaskanda power plants. These days 15% of the capacity of hydropower plants is added to the national grid.
The Nedungamuwe Raja died
The Nedungamuwe Raja Elephant, which carried the relics of the Kandy Shree Dalada Perahera for 13 years, has died this morning. The elephant was 69 years old when he died. The owner of the elephant Harsha Dharmavijaya says that the last rites will be announced later.
Crude oil price -World crude oil prices have risen high at a record rate.
 World crude oil prices have risen high at a record rate. The price of a barrel of Brent crude rose to $ 129.78, up 9.9 per cent. This is the highest price recorded since 2008. WTI crude rose to $ 126.51 a barrel.
Russian troops fire during ceasefire
Russia has declared a ceasefire in the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Valnovakha. They have declared a ceasefire so that civilians can move safely. . However, the BBC reports that Russian troops are shelling the city of Mariupol during the ceasefire. The city’s deputy mayor told the BBC that Russian forces were still shelling Mariopol. They say a ceasefire has been declared but the Russian side is not abiding by it. Residents are therefore advised to disperse to the city and find safe havens. This is because there are still reports of fighting on the side of the road carrying civilians. Authorities in Mariupol began evacuating residents after Russia declared a ceasefire, but were forced to suspend operations by Russian troops.
Ukraine – Russia current conditions: Visa and MasterCard announced that they will suspend operations in Russia
Visa and MasterCard, two international payment systems, have announced that they will suspend operations in Russia from the night of March 6. The companies have announced that they have decided to withdraw from the Visa and MasterCard payment system in Russia due to the military operation in Ukraine. Previously, Visa and MasterCard had stopped working with banks under US SDN sanctions (VTB, Otkritie, Promsvyazbank, Sovcombank and Novikombank) and the new decision would affect all banks in the country as well as all credit card holders. However, inside Russia, Visa and MasterCard cards can still be used to pay for local transactions until their expiration date. People will also be able to withdraw money and pay for goods and services on Russian websites.
Sri Lanka lost by an innings and 222 runs to India
India won the first match of the Test series against Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs yesterday (06). Batting first, India were bowled out for 174 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 574 for eight. Batting again to avoid an innings defeat, the touring Sri Lankans were all out for just 178 runs. Niroshan Dikwella was the top scorer in the innings with 51 not out.
Today power cut schedule
The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) has announced a two-hour power cut for P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W areas from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and from 1 pm to 9 pm today (March 7) Meanwhile, power cuts will be imposed in E&F areas from 8 am to 6 pm for 5 hours and from 6 pm to 11 pm for two and a half hours.
Russia- Europe conflict: Supply of gas from Russia to Europe through the main pipeline to the west has been stopped
Foreign media reports that the supply of gas from Russia to Europe through the main pipeline to the west has been stopped since Thursday. Russia’s state-owned energy company meets more than 40% of Europe’s gas demand. The supply of gas will continue to be very slow and in this situation European countries will have to look for other suppliers at higher prices instead of Russian low cost gas.
People organized Dan Sal in fuel queues
There was a long queue of vehicles on the Galle Road from Waskaduwa to Pothupitiya yesterday to obtain fuel. Residents of the area had organized a milk rice and soft drink dansal for those waiting in line. Residents gathered in front of the Pothupitiya Poojarama Temple, prepared milk rice and chilli on the road and distributed it to those in line. If there is such a queue, the milk rice dansala will be held continuously, the organizers said.
Power cut schedules changed
The Public Utilities Commission stated that a change in the power cut is likely from today if sufficient stocks of fuel are received. Accordingly, action will be taken to suspend or reduce the planned power cuts based on the fuel received, said its chairman Janaka Ratnayake. However, the Ceylon Electricity Board has announced that the current power cut will be effective over the weekend as well. Power cuts so far Permission has been granted for Colombo city limits as well.