Monkey Mayhem: Power Outage Strikes Sri Lanka After Primate Mishap

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, a notorious gang leader implicated in multiple murder cases, was shot dead in a Colombo courthouse by a gunman disguised as a lawyer, according to Sri Lankan police. The shooter used a revolver that was reportedly smuggled into the courthouse inside a hollowed-out book by a female accomplice, currently sought by authorities. The incident occurred while Samararathne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was being escorted to court with a heavy police presence, as he faced criminal charges. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The gunman escaped but has since been apprehended, though he has multiple aliases. In response to the shooting, Sri Lankan lawmakers have underscored the growing threat of gang violence, with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa asserting the government's commitment to addressing organized crime. Following the incident, security measures at the courthouse are under review, with plans to implement armed guards during high-risk hearings. This shooting adds to a troubling trend of gang-related violence, which has led to at least nine deaths this year according to police data.

A massive power outage swept across Sri Lanka on Sunday after a monkey reportedly contacted a grid transformer at a power station south of Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed that the animal caused an imbalance in the power system, leaving many of the island nation's 22 million residents without electricity during a heatwave exceeding 30°C (86°F). Engineers prioritized restoring power to critical facilities, including hospitals and water purification plants. While some areas regained power within hours, many households remained in the dark until late Sunday night. The incident inspired humor on social media, with comments likening the situation to a comic scenario, such as “One monkey = total chaos.” Beyond the jokes, the outage highlighted deeper issues within Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure, which experts have warned is outdated and susceptible to disruptions. A senior engineer stated that frequent island-wide power outages could be expected with disturbances in the system. The Ceylon Electricity Board issued an apology but did not elaborate on how a single incident could disrupt power nationwide. Concerns are growing over the increasing monkey population, estimated between 2 and 3 million, as they encroach on human settlements.

A monkey has been identified as the culprit behind a nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka, leaving millions without electricity. The blackout, which began around 11 AM local time on Sunday, affected predominantly the island's 22 million residents, particularly in the capital, Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the incident occurred when the monkey came into contact with a grid transformer, leading to an imbalance in the power system. Engineers were promptly dispatched to address the issue, restoring power to some areas within hours; however, many households remained in the dark until late Sunday evening. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding Sri Lanka's electrical infrastructure, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2022, the country experienced widespread blackouts and electricity rationing as part of an economic crisis. Local journalist Jamila Husain remarked on social media that incidents like these underscore the urgent need for system upgrades, as engineers have warned successive governments about the vulnerability of the national power grid.