Power Unions Give Government Ultimatum on Restructuring

03-Oct-2025

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Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions warned they would intensify their “work-to-rule” protest from Monday if the government fails to address their 24 demands regarding restructuring of the CEB.

At a press conference in Colombo on October 2, CEB Engineers’ Association member Sadaruwan Manchanayake said employees were only informed by an English letter that they were being transferred to new companies, with no details on salary, grade, promotions, or service conditions.

He stressed that restructuring such a major institution (with monthly income of Rs. 40–50 million) must be done carefully, with consultations, not hurriedly.

Since September 4, workers have been on a legal work-to-rule campaign, but the authorities have ignored them. If no solution is given, unions will escalate the struggle by refusing all talks with ministers and top officials from October 6 onward.