Let us work together to overcome the current and future challenges in Sri Lanka’s power sector
A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the engineers’ trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was held this morning (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held regarding the restructuring process of the Ceylon Electricity Board. The President pointed out that the objective of this restructuring process is to ensure an efficient and uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers at a fair price, while safeguarding the country’s energy security by maintaining Government ownership of the newly established companies.
The President also emphasised that it remains the Government’s position that all rights currently enjoyed by employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board will be safeguarded within the new companies. He further held detailed discussions with the trade union representatives on a number of issues that should have been resolved while the institution functioned as the Ceylon Electricity Board but remain unresolved to date.
President Dissanayake noted that this will by no means be an easy process, but rather a long-term and carefully planned one. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between employees and the newly established companies during this transitional period, as well as the need to establish a formal mechanism to facilitate such engagement.
The President further stressed the importance of ensuring employees’ peace of mind, recognising their future aspirations and creating an environment that enables them to carry out their duties with satisfaction and confidence.
President Dissanayake also stated that the challenges that have arisen can be resolved if all parties act with understanding and a sense of responsibility towards the country. He invited all trade union representatives to work together to ensure the success of this process, in order to provide a better service to electricity consumers and to overcome the present and future challenges facing Sri Lanka’s power sector.
The trade union representatives stated that they acknowledge the need for this new transformation and expressed their willingness to work constructively with the Government to help achieve the expected objectives.
Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody and Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas were also present on the occasion.
