Not satisfied with the government - We are ready to plunge the whole country into darkness in February - CEB employees

The trade union collective of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) warns that they are ready to launch a massive strike in the upcoming February, which will plunge the entire country into darkness, due to the government's failure to fulfill its promises. These views were expressed at a press conference chaired by Mr. Kosala Abeysinghe, President of the CEB Technicians' Association, and Mr. Prabath Priyantha, General Secretary of the Free Workers' Union.

Trade union leaders point out that although the Minister of Power gave 24 written promises when the 'work-to-rule' trade union action launched last October was concluded, the government has failed to fulfill those promises in a way that satisfies electricity workers or suits the country.

They emphasize that this time's action will not be limited to mere protests or picketing campaigns, but will escalate into a full-scale strike. They stated that while they are well aware that this strike will severely impact the country's economy, public life, and overall processes, they have been forced to take such a decision in a situation where the government does not listen to the voice of the workers. Trade union leaders urge the President and the Cabinet to properly restructure the energy sector, taking lessons from the mistakes made in the recent education reforms, and not to carry out this process under wraps based on business interests.

Mr. Kosala Abeysinghe pointed out that if the proposed restructuring program is implemented incorrectly, neither the authorities nor the Director General will be there to take responsibility, and ultimately, it will be the innocent CEB employees who will lose their jobs and have to go home. He stated that trade unions are not against the restructuring of the Electricity Board, and they are only asking for a correct reform that suits the country. However, trade unions accuse that the current method attempts to privatize the Electricity Board in an incorrect manner.

Trade union leaders warned the government that it is preparing to issue the gazette notification related to the privatization of the Electricity Board on or around the first of February, and if that gazette is issued, they will engage in a continuous strike until it is withdrawn. They also said that electricity workers will not be responsible for any crisis that arises after that date. It was also mentioned that a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has already been introduced for CEB employees, and due to employees leaving through it and for other reasons, a crisis situation is emerging within the institution.

Mr. Prabath Priyantha, General Secretary of the Free Workers' Union of the Ceylon Electricity Board, stated that this restructuring process is being carried out very secretly at the behest of the International Monetary Fund or another party. He accused that attempts are being made to convert the institution into companies without any regard for the job security of employees or consumer rights. He also pointed out that if the Electricity Board had been converted into companies during a disaster situation like the recent cyclone, the mechanism for restoring electricity would have been crippled.

Trade unions point out that although the government announced a 33% reduction in electricity bills, such a price reduction mechanism will not be implemented through the new act. Trade union leaders further emphasized that a program has been initiated to visit all Electricity Board offices and workplaces across the country in the next few days to educate employees, and if the minister or authorities do not respond positively to their demands, a severe trade union action in early February cannot be avoided.