Government's positive response to many demands of electricity workers

Following a special discussion held between the Boards of Directors of the four main companies established under the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), namely EGL, EDL, NSO, and NTNSP, and 25 trade unions of the Electricity Board, steps have been taken to resolve numerous employee issues. During this discussion, the Boards of Directors of the respective companies expressed their agreement to fulfill 62 out of the 64 main demands submitted by the trade unions to the government.

According to these new agreements reached on March 10, 2026, with the approval and intervention of the Minister of Power, it has been decided to continue providing the current allowances of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 10,000 to employees. Furthermore, these allowances are to be integrated with the cost of living allowance and paid as the government-approved cost of living allowance. In addition, until a new performance-based payment system for employees is introduced under the new companies, it has been decided to continue providing the annual bonus given by the Ceylon Electricity Board to employees without any changes. The Minister has also agreed to provide necessary instructions to CEBEF to positively consider the retirement entitlement allowance requested by the employees.

Considering electricity supply as an essential service, the chairpersons of the four respective companies strongly urge the trade unions to immediately cease the ongoing trade union actions and strikes that are causing severe inconvenience to the public. The Minister of Power has also promised to arrange a special discussion with the President within the next two days to make a final decision on their remaining two demands, especially the requested salary increase, only if the employees abandon the strike and resume their daily duties.