Power Sector Unrest: Unions Warn of Strike, Government Cancels Leave

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government has cancelled all leave for electricity sector employees with immediate effect, as authorities move to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the public amid escalating trade union action against the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The Ministry of Power and Energy announced the decision, citing the need to maintain essential services and prevent disruptions as several CEB trade unions continue their industrial action for a nineteenth consecutive day.

The unions, representing 25 organizations including those affiliated with major opposition parties - Sri Lanka Freedom Party, United National Party and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna - have been protesting since 4 September, demanding the protection of employee benefits and objecting to the proposed restructuring process.

Key union demands include overdue promotions, the integration of a temporary Rs. 10,000 allowance into the basic salary as of 31 December 2023, and a 25% salary increase effective from 1 January 2024, along with arrears. 

The majority of these demands relate to safeguarding personal privileges and improving compensation.

As part of their protest, union members withdrew from all procurement duties as of midnight yesterday (22). 

Union leaders have warned that unless meaningful negotiations take place within the next two days, they will escalate to a full-scale strike, with the nature and duration of the action to be announced on 24 September.

In response, the government has declared all electricity-related services as essential under a special gazette notification, invoking powers granted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the Essential Public Services Act No. 61 of 1979. 

The gazette aims to ensure the continuity of critical services and protect the daily lives of the public from potential disruptions.

The situation remains tense as both sides hold firm, with union leaders urging the government to resolve the dispute and avoid plunging the country into darkness.