President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s energy sovereignty, ruling out power sector privatisation and stressing that reforms aim to enhance efficiency while safeguarding workers’ rights.
No privatisation in power reforms, focus on efficiency and independence
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reiterated the Government’s strong commitment to maintaining energy sovereignty, making it clear that the country’s power sector will not be handed over to private entities. Addressing a progress review meeting on energy reforms at the Presidential Secretariat, he emphasized that energy independence is central to economic growth, long-term stability, and national security.
The President explained that the purpose of the ongoing reforms is not privatisation but the elimination of inefficiencies within the current framework of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). He stressed that the restructuring seeks to modernize outdated systems, improve reliability, and ensure affordability while keeping the sector firmly under state ownership.
The review meeting included directors of newly formed institutions such as Electricity Distribution Lanka Ltd., National Transmission Network Service Provider Ltd., Electricity Generation Lanka Ltd., and National System Operator Ltd. These entities have been established to streamline operations and strengthen oversight of the sector’s development.
Dissanayake assured employees that no jobs, positions, or salary scales would be reduced during the transition. He further pledged to address outstanding employee-related issues before the full integration of the new framework, ensuring that all rights and entitlements under the CEB are preserved.
Highlighting the significance of the reforms, the President noted that institutional structures must serve the wider public interest. If the new system succeeds in delivering electricity more reliably, continuously, and at fair prices, it would be a victory for both the government and workers. He clarified that the reforms are a transformation aligned with global best practices, not a transfer of ownership.
The discussions also covered challenges and proposals related to reform implementation, with the President underlining the urgency of adopting a modern institutional model to meet Sri Lanka’s evolving power needs. He reassured stakeholders that the government’s policy direction prioritizes energy sovereignty, workers’ rights, and national security.
Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, and senior officials of the CEB were also present at the meeting.