• Final phase of CEB restructuring to formalise tariff framework

A Cabinet paper on the National Electricity Policy and the National Electricity Tariff Policy is expected to be presented today(09), marking the final phase of the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The restructuring programme, which is being implemented in five phases, has already completed four stages, including the Master Plan, Annual Electricity Supply Plan, Long-Term Generation Plan, and Long-Term Transmission Development Plan, according to Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage, Head of the CEB Transition Task Force.

Once Cabinet approval is granted, the national electricity policy and tariff framework will be formally established, following which a Gazette notification will be issued to implement the changes and manage the continuation of the CEB. The move will also repeal the Ceylon Electricity Board Act (No. 17 of 1969).

Under the Government’s restructuring decision, the CEB is being divided into four separate entities, each governed by its own board of directors. Staff assigned to these new companies are currently preparing to coordinate with the respective boards on operational matters.

Meanwhile, the Gazette notification is also expected to resolve a long-standing dispute regarding the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). A total of 2,173 CEB employees had applied for the scheme, but delays in issuing the Gazette had caused unrest among staff.

CEB General Manager Engineer K.S.I. Kumar recently informed employees that they could withdraw their retirement applications before 30 January, should they wish to do so. Fewer than 20 employees opted to withdraw. Subsequently, approval has been granted for 2,153 employees to proceed with voluntary retirement, with arrangements made to pay their entitled gratuities.