Following discussions held yesterday (28 February) among Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions on the Government’s response to eight specific demands concerning the restructuring process of the board, the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) has announced that further union action will be launched on Tuesday (3).

With the date for the CEB’s proposed liquidation having been deferred due to the postponement of its restructuring process, a discussion held on 16 February between trade union representatives and the CEB Chairman concluded without a resolution having been reached.

In response to the continued delay in addressing the trade union demands, a six-hour symbolic strike was initiated on Thursday (26 February).

When contacted by The Sunday Morning, the CEBEU Joint Secretary stated that discussions were underway with regard to future trade union action and a decision would be made by Tuesday as to whether union action would be continuous.

According to the CEBEU, the dispute lies in the unions’ demand for a collective agreement in accordance with Section 18(j) of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.36 of 2024. 

The Secretary maintained that the law provided for structured engagement between management and employees, adding that a formal collective agreement was necessary to ensure transparency and industrial stability within the institution.  

“We are not asking for salaries or anything else, but that this be included when the gazette is issued,” the official said.

It was also noted that several trade unions that were involved in the strike action were in attendance at the discussions taking place yesterday, with the exception of the Lanka Viduli Podu Sewaka Sangamaya (LVPSS).

The official added that the CEB restructuring was now expected to take place on 31 March.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning on the matter, however, CEB General Manager K.S.I. Kumara stated that the Ministry of Energy had yet to make a decision on the final date.