September 18, Colombo (LNW): Growing unrest within the power sector has taken a more serious turn, as trade unions representing electricity workers vow to intensify their ongoing industrial action unless their grievances receive urgent attention from authorities.
The dispute centres on what union representatives allege is a unilateral and non-consultative restructuring process within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). Workers argue that the overhaul threatens job security, disrupts operational coherence, and undermines decades of institutional experience without offering a clear or sustainable path forward.
The initial phase of the protest began on September 04, when employees launched a “work-to-rule” campaign—strictly adhering to job descriptions and working hours, thereby deliberately slowing down operations. According to union sources, the aim was to highlight their dissatisfaction without disrupting essential services entirely.
However, the situation escalated this week, with a coordinated sick leave protest taking place on September 17. The move, involving a significant number of technical and support staff, effectively disrupted several routine maintenance operations and caused delays in service delivery.
Today marks the second day of this sick leave demonstration, and reports suggest participation has grown across multiple districts.
Kosala Abeysinghe, President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Technicians’ Union, issued a stern message to the administration, making it clear that further escalation is imminent if the authorities continue to turn a blind eye to the workers’ demands.
