Uncertainty looms for 2,200 CEB workers as voluntary retirement scheme delayed

Colombo, December 23 (Daily Mirror) - More than 2,200 employees who applied for the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) Voluntary Retirement Scheme are facing growing anxiety and uncertainty as the programme continues to be delayed, applicants said.

The affected employees have written to the Minister of Energy urging authorities to immediately announce a confirmed date for the scheme, warning that the prolonged delay has disrupted their future plans and caused severe mental distress.

According to the employees, many had already begun preparing for life after service, including seeking alternative employment, planning business ventures, or exploring overseas opportunities. However, the absence of an official retirement date has left applicants in limbo, making it difficult to move forward with these plans.

The workers said that they applied for voluntary retirement following the restructuring of the CEB, as they were no longer attached to subsidiary companies. Their applications were submitted in line with the Sri Lanka Electricity Act (Amended) No. 36 of 2024 and the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2451/11 dated August 26, 2025.

While expressing confidence in the government’s broader development programme and appreciation for the voluntary retirement initiative, the employees alleged that certain sabotage actions have further delayed the process, raising concerns about whether the scheme will be implemented as expected.

In their appeal, the employees called on the Energy Minister to address the issue with fairness and compassion and to expedite the announcement of the voluntary retirement date, citing the livelihoods and well-being of thousands of workers and their dependents.