Trade union leaders of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have sought the intervention of Sri Lanka’s most senior Buddhist clergy in an effort to halt what they describe as the “unlawful and reckless” restructuring of the country’s power utility.
On 10 October, union representatives met with the Malwatte and Asgiri Maha Nayakas — Most Venerable Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera and Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanalokanatha Thera — to hand over a formal appeal outlining their concerns.
The unions argue that the ongoing reforms, which they claim are being carried out without transparency or proper consultation, amount to de facto privatisation and will have a damaging impact on electricity consumers.
In their appeal, the trade unions called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Power Kumara Jayakody to implement a transparent and inclusive mechanism for any future restructuring of the power sector.
Warning of escalating action, the unions said they would not hesitate to intensify industrial measures if the government fails to address their demands and reverse what they see as an illegitimate reform process.
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