Hiru News

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has issued a directive to the chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to suspend the services of employees participating in the ongoing strike and to initiate disciplinary action against them. The strike has led to disruptions in the supply of electricity, which is considered an essential service.

In a letter to the CEB chairman, Minister Wijesekera emphasized the critical nature of electricity services and urged swift action to address the disruptions caused by the striking employees. The Minister instructed the chairman to provide details of the involved employees to the Ministry of Power and Energy.

Over the past three days (January 3-5), the Ministry received numerous public complaints citing the adverse impact of the strike on essential services provided by the Electricity Board. The complaints highlighted disruptions in public services, including the closure of payment windows.

Responding to the situation, the Ministry of Power and Energy took the decision to cancel the leave of all electrical workers from previous Monday. The move aimed to ensure the continuity of services and minimize disruptions caused by the ongoing strike.

The demonstration, organized by the CEB Trade Union Alliance as part of their opposition to the restructuring program, took place in front of the Electricity Board’s main office on the last day of a series of protests.

Minister Wijesekara expressed disapproval of the protest, stating that even if the relevant bill is passed in parliament, they have reported that they will not allow them to be implemented. The Colombo Fort Magistrate Court had previously issued an order preventing protestors from entering key government premises.<

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Electricity and Energy Indika Anuruddha informed the public that data for reducing the electricity bill has been submitted to the Public Utilities Commission. He assured that the electricity bill would be revised by the first week of February, responding to the concerns raised by protestors and the general public regarding the recent increase in electricity tariffs.