Sixty-two employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), suspended for participating in protests against its privatization during the previous government, have been reinstated with compensation.
These employees were suspended following a protest campaign launched by CEB trade unions last January, opposing alleged privatization efforts.
In response, the then Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, instructed officials to suspend employees who refrained from duties during the protest, citing disruptions to consumers, despite electricity being classified as an essential service.
Under the new administration, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has reversed the suspensions, restored privileges, and canceled disciplinary transfers.
Four of the reinstated employees received their letters from Minister Jayakody earlier today (24) during an event which was attended by several CEB officials as well as trade union representatives including general secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, Ranjan Jayalal.