Sixty-two employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), who were suspended during the previous administration for participating in a workers’ protest last January, have been reinstated with full privileges. The punitive transfers and suspensions imposed on them have also been canceled. This decision was taken by Minister of Power and Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody.
As part of an inspection tour of the CEB headquarters, Minister Jayakody met with a group of employees. Speaking at the meeting, he emphasized that the employees of the CEB are a vital asset to the institution. He expressed his satisfaction in being able to support the employees who stood against the privatization of the CEB and fought to preserve the institution. He further highlighted the importance of protecting national resources and stated that defeating the previous government’s plans to sell the country’s assets was a victory for the people. The Minister urged everyone to work together to protect and develop the CEB under the new National People’s Powers government.
Ranjan Jayalal, General Secretary of the Lanka Electricity Workers’ Union, also spoke at the event. He noted that the previous government had passed legislation to split and sell off the CEB but was ultimately defeated by the collective efforts of CEB employees and the broader public. He called this a significant victory for the trade union movement. Jayalal criticized the former administration and its minister for suppressing a legal protest and unjustly banning the services of 62 employees. He praised the efforts of trade unions, including the Lanka Electricity Employees Union, in achieving justice for these workers.
The reinstated employees expressed their gratitude to the new government, Minister Jayakody, and the CEB Governing Authority for restoring their positions and privileges.
Following the meeting, the Minister, Acting General Manager of the CEB, Engineer W. Edussuriya, and senior officials discussed the future direction of the CEB.
