• Says Govt. has approved only 60 engineers to be hired when plans were drawn to induct 180
• Critics question requirement procedure and designs to secure existing benefits

In the wake of revelations that nearly 20% of engineers attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have migrated overseas in recent years, the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) said, adding that the State has not allowed for adequate number of engineers to be recruited to fill the gaps.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, CEBEU Vice President Eng. Dhanushka Parakramasinghe said that over 200 engineers attached to the CEB have left the country since 2023. “Some of them have resigned, and some others have gone abroad on study leave. But once they secure jobs in those countries, they tend not to return. It is experienced professionals who tend to leave, and it takes years to build that level of knowledge and expertise again.”

He argued that both the previous and current Governments have not taken steps to recruit engineers to match the existing number of vacancies. Although approval has recently been granted to recruit about 60 engineers, he said that this is far from sufficient. “The initial plan was to recruit 180 engineers. However, the approval has been granted to recruit only 60. That number is not enough at all.”

Because of the shortage, Parakramasinghe said that existing engineers have had to take on the responsibilities of two or three positions, leading to an unsustainable workload. “Many assume salary issues are the main reason for migration, but it is not the only issue. The job satisfaction is at a very low level. There is no recognition for our work. We do not even have time to look after our families as we have to cover up duties of multiple positions,” he opined.

Energy Ministry Secretary and Acting CEB Chairperson Prof. Udayanga Hemapala was not available for comment.

CEB Media Spokesperson Eng. M.H. Dhammike Wimalaratne said recently that 226 engineers of CEB have left the country since 2023. Of them, 85% were electrical engineers, 8% mechanical engineers, and 7% civil engineers.

However, critics have alleged that the said recruitment of 60 engineers which has been approved by the Government has been done without proper schemes of recruitment issued by the Finance Ministry. Reports in the press yesterday (17) also point to some senior officials in the CEB, including engineers petitioning higher authorities to retain controversial benefits for their employees if the CEB is restructured.