The Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions yesterday said they would not yield to threats from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or government ministers. They vowed to continue their trade union action until their demands were met. Unionists braved heavy rain to stage a protest in front of the CEB headquarters in Fort, Colombo.
The unions launched a work-to-rule campaign on 04 Sept., in protest against the proposed restructuring of the CEB, which they describe as arbitrary. As a second phase of their industrial action, members reported sick on Wednesday (17) and yesterday (18).
The CEB Engineers’ Union executive committee member Dhanushka Parakramasinghe told The Island that unions would meet last evening or today (19) to decide on further action against the government’s plan to split the CEB into four companies.
Meanwhile, CEB National Employees Union Secretary Ajith Devapriya told a press briefing: “The President spoke in a threatening manner. But we are not scared. This does not suit a President who speaks of democracy. We are not quitting our jobs out of fear. This is not a job we received as a personal favour from the President. We are only asking him to present the facts correctly to the country. Don’t mislead the people. If a proper compensation package is provided, we are ready to go. Those who wish to leave must be treated fairly by the government.”
Trade union leaders warned that the ongoing trade union actions would be intensified if their demands continued to be ignored. Kosala Abeysinghe, President of the CEB Technicians’ Union, confirmed that the protests could intensify in the coming days.
The demonstrations disrupted traffic in the Colombo Fort area. One lane of Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, from Slave Island to the Lake House roundabout, was closed yesterday afternoon, restricting vehicular movement. Police later reopened roads and urged motorists to use alternative routes due to heavy congestion.
Unionists said that their protests were aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the restructuring process of the CEB and safeguarding employees’ rights.
By Sujeewa Thathsara 