• Energy Secy. cites documentation process delays 
• Norochcholai generator restored 

The Energy Ministry is expecting to finalise the documentation required to issue the appointed date for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring by 31 January of this year (2026), thereby allowing the release of voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) applicants.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Ministry Secretary, Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala said the Electricity (Amendment) Act of last year (2025) stipulates that employees are bound to work until the appointed date is issued after applying for the VRS. As this date has not been issued, employees are legally expected to continue working. If an employee withdraws before this date, they will not receive their VRS.

The appointed date refers to the day the CEB will be unbundled into separate State-owned entities for generation, transmission, and distribution to increase efficiency and attract private investment under the said Act. Prof. Hemapala cited delays in the documentation process with the CEB as the reason for the holdup. 

However, over 2,200 CEB employees who applied for the VRS are urging the Energy Minister to intervene, alleging the CEB management is refusing to release them despite meeting the legal requirements.

The generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant, which was temporarily shut down for maintenance, was restored. However, the electricity generated by the unit has not yet been added to the national grid, and it is reported that steps will be taken to connect it to the system within the next few days.

The Plant contributes a total of 900 megawatts to the national power grid through its three generators. At present, electricity is being supplied to the national grid by only one generator. Meanwhile, another generator remains out of operation, and efforts are currently underway to restore it to operational status.