CEB reforms have come under heavy criticism from the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), which has raised concerns over how the electricity sector is being restructured in Sri Lanka. The engineers claim the CEB reforms are proceeding without a clear plan, technical consultation, or legal compliance, risking national energy security and employee trust.
Ceylon Electricity Board engineers express serious concerns over ongoing electricity reform plans.
The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union has formally written to the parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, highlighting deep concerns over the way CEB reforms are being carried out.
According to the Union, the reform program is being conducted in a fragmented and ad-hoc manner, with no transparent or approved strategic roadmap. Major decisions affecting energy security, public finance, and institutional restructuring are being made without proper technical consultation or feasibility studies.
One of the critical issues raised is the issuance of assignation letters to employees before legally establishing successor companies. The engineers argue that this premature move violates legal procedures, creates confusion among staff, and undermines the credibility of the entire CEB reforms process.
They also criticized the inadequacy of the Preliminary Transfer Plan and Human Resource Policy documents, describing them as incomplete and lacking technical and legal validation. This raises the risk of serious operational issues during the transition.
The Union further claims the independence of newly formed companies is compromised by the involvement of reform committees that override the authority of appointed Boards of Directors. Such interference contradicts the principles of transparency and institutional autonomy required under the Electricity Act.
Another major concern is the erosion of employee trust. Unequal treatment, lack of clear communication, and irregular retirement age extensions have led to unrest among employees. This threatens the stability of an essential national sector.
CEBEU also highlighted the government’s failure to establish a statutory company for managing pension and provident funds, leaving the financial security of more than 25,000 employees and pensioners at risk. The absence of this legal entity is seen as a violation of legislative intent and could trigger legal disputes.
The engineers also pointed out unrealistic deadlines and repeated delays in key milestones such as setting up successor companies and finalizing employee transfers. They warn that these rushed timelines appear to be politically driven rather than strategically planned, further undermining stakeholder confidence.
In addition, the reform process has been criticized for a lack of transparency and accountability. Important information related to financial implications, stakeholder involvement, and progress of the reforms has not been shared adequately with the public or employees.
The Union has requested the Sectoral Oversight Committee to review the ongoing process, summon responsible officials, and ensure the reforms are aligned with legal frameworks and transparent governance. CEBEU emphasizes that its engagement is made in good faith, aiming to ensure the CEB reforms succeed without legal, operational, or technical failures.