Government begins unbundling of CEB

The government has initiated the unbundling of the Ceylon  Electricity Board (CEB) into four state-owned companies, with the  attachment of employees to the new entities already underway, the  Ministry of Power and Energy announced yesterday.   

In a statement, the Ministry said several CEB employees  have expressed their willingness to join the newly formed companies.  Letters of consent were handed over to the CEB yesterday morning.  Director of Power Sector Restructuring, Pubudu Niroshana, was also  present at the occasion.   

The restructuring is being carried out in accordance with  the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act, which mandates the unbundling  of CEB. Under the new framework, four government-owned companies will  be established:   

Accordingly, National Grid Control (Pvt) Ltd, National  Transmission and Network Services (Pvt) Ltd, Power Distribution Lanka  Ltd and Power Generation Lanka Ltd will comprise of a government stake,  the ministry said.   The Ministry claimed that the move has been well received  by employees, and emphasised that the restructuring is intended to  modernise and strengthen the country’s power sector.   

Restructuring of CEB in disarray: Opposition MP   

By Yohan Perera   

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara yesterday criticised the  ongoing restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), describing  the process as being in disarray and raising concerns over the welfare  of its employees.    Jayasekara said many workers are dissatisfied with the  unbundling and are worried about the security of arrears payments,  including pending medical claims, which they fear may be jeopardised  under the new entities.   

“Employees are uncertain whether the newly formed companies  will honour their arrears payments,” he stated. “In addition, those  considering retirement are demanding compensation beyond the minimum Rs.  5 million currently stipulated.”   

He urged the government to address these concerns and ensure justice is served to CEB employees affected by the transition.