Trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have escalated their strike against government plans to restructure the utility into four entities, beginning today. The action, led by the CEB Engineers’ Union and allied groups, follows an 11-day “work-to-rule” campaign launched on September 4. Unions say the authorities have not opened dialogue despite repeated calls.
The restructuring, backed by the government and international lenders, is aimed at reducing the CEB’s mounting losses, which have exceeded billions of dollars over the past decade due to inefficiencies, high costs, and reliance on fuel imports. Successive administrations have sought reforms, but strong union resistance has stalled change. Union leaders warn that splitting the CEB could weaken job security and undermine the country’s power sector. A decision on further intensification of the strike is expected after union consultations later today.
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