Meeting between the President and CEB Engineers’ Trade Unions

2026-03-12 - 15:29

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake states that it is the Government’s position that all rights previously enjoyed by employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will also be guaranteed within the new companies during the restructuring process. The President made this statement during a discussion held with representatives of the CEB engineers’ trade unions at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (12). According to the President’s Media Division, the restructuring process of the Ceylon Electricity Board was discussed at length during the meeting. The statement notes that the objective of the restructuring process is to ensure an efficient and uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers at a reasonable price, while maintaining the ownership of the new companies under the Government and safeguarding the country’s energy security. Trade union representatives also held extensive discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding several issues that should have been resolved while the institution functioned as the Ceylon Electricity Board, but remain unresolved to date. The President pointed out that this is by no means a smooth process and that it is a long-term and carefully planned undertaking. The statement further notes that the President highlighted the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue between employees and the new companies during this transitional period, as well as the need to establish a proper mechanism for such engagement. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring the psychological well-being of employees, recognising their future expectations, and creating a free and supportive environment in which they can perform their duties with satisfaction. The President stated that the challenges that have arisen can be resolved if all parties act with mutual understanding and a sense of responsibility towards the country. He also invited all trade union representatives to work together to ensure the success of this process, with the aim of providing a better service to electricity consumers in Sri Lanka and overcoming the present and future challenges facing the country’s power sector. Trade union representatives stated that they also recognise the need for this new transformation and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Government in a spirit of understanding to help achieve the intended objectives.