Unbundling of CEB: Get advice from foreign experts to ensure smooth transition: Opposition

• Government has already converted CEB into four companies and the workers have been asked to attach themselves to these four companies. They are to be sent on compulsory retirement. This situation might lead to a crisis
• We have been informed that Speaker had sought the advice of Attorney General and the latter has ensured that there is no sub judice effect on the motion

By Yohan Perera   

While urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene in resolving employee issues pertaining to the unbundling of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) , an opposition MP yesterday said the assistance of foreign experts should be sought for the process to ensure a smooth transition.   
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera told a media briefing yesterday that it is essential to ensure employee interests when unbundling CEB.   
“Government has already converted CEB into four companies and the workers have been asked to attach themselves to these four companies. They are to be sent on compulsory retirement. This situation might lead to a crisis,” he added.   
“It may become necessary to seek the assistance of foreign experts as Sri Lanka has never subjected a large state entity into restructuring before. Therefore we urge the government to seek foreign assistance in this regard if it is needed,” he also said.   
He also said the relevant sectorial oversight committee should make a special focus on the situation.   
Meanwhile, the MP urged Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to see that the no confidence motion brought on against the Deputy Minister of Defense Aruna Jayasekera is included in the order book and is allowed to be debated in the House. “The Speaker should take into consideration global parliamentary practice in making this decision. We have been informed that Speaker had sought the advice of Attorney General and the latter has ensured that there is no sub judice effect on the motion.   
The no faith motion against the Deputy Minister seeks his removal from the post to ensure effective investigation on Easter Sunday attacks. It was revealed earlier that the Deputy Minister during his tenure as the commanding officer in Charge of Eastern province ignored the activities of Zahran and his gang who have been a member of extremist organization. Zahran led the suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka back in 2019.