Tense talks at CEB over February 28 dissolution: CEB unions

Colombo, February 17 (Daily Mirror) - A high-level meeting between trade unions and top management of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was held yesterday (16) at its headquarters amid ongoing concerns over the institution’s restructuring and impending dissolution.

The special discussion, convened on the instructions of the Energy Minister, brought together the CEB Chairman and representatives of several trade unions to address preliminary matters outlined in a recent eight-demand letter submitted by the unions.

One of the main issues discussed was the proposed Collective Agreement put forward by the Ministry. Trade unions expressed strong reservations over the draft, stating that it was not acceptable in its current form.

In response, the Chairman invited the unions to jointly prepare and submit an alternative proposal for consideration, in an effort to move discussions forward. Union representatives agreed to draft a revised proposal, although sources indicated that key differences remain unresolved.

The appointment of the Board of Directors for the EPF Company also featured prominently in the talks. Addressing union concerns, the Chairman proposed that all trade unions collectively nominate four representatives for appointment to the Board to ensure broader representation.

While the proposal was presented as a step toward inclusivity, discussions on governance and transparency during the transition process are expected to continue.

During deliberations on the restructuring roadmap, the Chairman reaffirmed that the Gazette notification for the dissolution of the Ceylon Electricity Board will be issued on February 28, in line with the timeline previously outlined by Transition Task Force Head Pubudu Niroshan.

The confirmation marks a significant milestone in the government’s reform agenda concerning the state-owned utility and has sparked broader debate on the future structure of Sri Lanka’s power sector.

Representatives of employees who opted for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) welcomed the government’s decision to proceed with the dissolution within the stated timeframe. They expressed appreciation to the administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that the move would bring clarity and stability to those who had chosen to retire under the scheme.

The Employee Collective Applicant for the CEB Voluntary Retirement Scheme said the government had taken steps to address the concerns of VRS applicants and ensure the protection of their entitlements

With the February 28 deadline approaching, attention is now focused on how discussions between unions and management will progress in the coming weeks. The restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board is expected to have far-reaching implications for employees, governance structures and the country’s energy sector.

Observers said that continued dialogue will be critical to avoiding potential industrial action and ensuring a smooth transition process.