Colombo, September 16, 2025 – Minister of Power Kumara Jayakody announced that employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) who do not wish to accept the government’s restructuring model may choose to leave the institution with compensation.
Exit with Compensation
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (15) at the Government Information Department, the Minister stated that workers unwilling to be absorbed into the new entities created under the restructuring process will be allowed to voluntarily resign. Such employees will be entitled to receive compensation of up to Rs. 500,000, without discrimination.
Jayakody also disclosed that if the CEB had continued under its previous structure, a decision had already been taken to send home 12,000 employees after August 27.
CEB Division into Four Entities
The restructuring divides the CEB into four core segments:
- Generation
- Transmission
- Distribution
- Systems Management
While operations are being separated, the government will retain ownership of all four entities, the Minister assured.
Dispute with Trade Unions
Minister Jayakody said that while all trade unions were engaged in discussions on September 2 and responses were provided to their concerns, unions presented new and impractical demands the following day. These demands, according to the Minister, included compensation packages so high they could lead to the closure of the CEB.
He further suggested that these proposals appear designed to stall or sabotage the restructuring process, warning that the government remains committed to moving forward despite opposition.
Outlook
The restructuring of the CEB has become a critical issue in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, with the government framing it as a necessary step toward efficiency and sustainability, while trade unions raise concerns over job security and compensation.
