What problems might one encounter when staying in remote accommodations in Sri Lanka? (e.g., power outages, unstable water supply)

Hello there, you've hit the nail on the head with that question! Staying in those more remote, nature-proximate places in Sri Lanka offers an amazing experience, but you'll definitely encounter some "little surprises" you wouldn't expect in the city. Based on my experience, here are the main points to be mentally prepared for:

1. Power Outages: A Common Occurrence, Get Used to It

The power outages you mentioned are absolutely the TOP 1 issue. In remote areas of Sri Lanka, especially in the mountains or small villages, power cuts aren't accidental; sometimes they're a daily scheduled event.

Why do they happen? Infrastructure can't keep up, and coupled with the previous economic crisis, the electricity supply has been consistently tight.
How do accommodations cope? Better guesthouses or small hotels will have their own generators. But be aware, generators usually aren't on 24/7; they're typically run for a few hours after dark so you can shower, eat, and charge devices. They might be turned off in the middle of the night, so expecting air conditioning all night is pretty much impossible. Also, generators can be quite noisy when running.
My advice to you: Carry a high-capacity power bank, and fully charge your phone and camera batteries in advance. Bring a flashlight or headlamp; it'll be very convenient for finding things or going to the bathroom at night.

2. Water Supply: Intermittent, Go with the Flow

Unstable water supply is also common. You might encounter:

Low water pressure: Especially if you're on the second floor or higher, the shower water might just "drip out." Forget about a powerful hot shower.
Hot water depends on luck/weather: Many places rely on solar water heaters. If it's a rainy day, congratulations, you'll get to experience a "calm mind, naturally cool" cold shower. Some places have electric water heaters, which naturally won't work during a power outage.
Water quality issues: Tap water should absolutely not be drunk directly, and it's best not to drink it even after boiling. Stick to bottled water. Brushing teeth and washing your face should be fine.

3. Internet: Spotty Signal, Say Goodbye to Internet Addiction

Don't rely too much on Wi-Fi. Although many accommodation booking pages state "Wi-Fi available," the reality is:

Signal only in specific areas: There might only be a weak signal in the lobby or a corner of the restaurant. Back in your room? "No service" is the norm.
Internet speed so slow it makes you question life: Even opening a webpage is difficult, and uploading a picture to social media might take ages. Streaming videos or playing online games is completely out of the question.
My advice to you: Get a local SIM card at the airport (e.g., Dialog); the signal coverage will be better than Wi-Fi, but you might still lose connection in remote mountainous areas. Download offline maps in advance and save important information as screenshots. Take this opportunity to put down your phone and truly enjoy a holiday free from internet distractions.

4. "Uninvited Guests": Sharing a Room with Small Animals

In remote areas, you're closer to nature. So, your room might have various "roommates":

Geckos, spiders, ants: These are standard. Geckos even help eat mosquitoes, so they're beneficial. As long as you don't leave snacks lying around, ants won't bother you.
Mosquitoes and various flying insects: This is important! Especially abundant in the evening. Make sure to use a mosquito net (confirm if available when booking), and bring strong insect repellent and soothing cream for bites.
Monkeys, squirrels: If you're staying in mountainous areas (like near Ella, Nuwara Eliya), be wary of these critters. They might sneak in through an open window to steal food when you're not looking, so always close windows and doors when you leave.

5. Other Daily Life Details:

Limited dining options: There might not be many restaurants nearby, so you'll likely have all three meals at your accommodation. The upside is you'll get to eat authentic home-cooked meals, but choices will be limited, which might be challenging if you're a picky eater.
Inconvenient transportation: Roads to these places might be difficult, and once you've settled in, getting around won't be easy. Tuk-tuks can be hard to find and more expensive than in cities. It's best to discuss transportation with your host in advance.
Cash is king: Places that accept cards in remote areas are extremely rare, and ATMs are scarce. Make sure to bring plenty of cash!

Overall, these issues might sound troublesome, but looking at it from another perspective, they are part of deeply experiencing the authentic local life. As long as you relax your mindset and treat them as minor incidents during your trip, you'll find that this somewhat "primitive" and inconvenient experience is actually more interesting and memorable than staying in standardized hotels. Enjoy it!