Blackout Threat Looms as CEB Engineers Warn of Islandwide Strike

Sri Lanka could face a major power crisis as engineers at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) threaten industrial action over the government’s plan to restructure the state-run electricity utility into six subsidiary companies.

The Technical Engineers and Superintendents Association has warned that the strike could begin immediately after the gazette notification is issued, expected on February 27, potentially bringing the national power grid to a standstill.

Association Vice President Nandana Udayakumara said engineers are prepared to launch islandwide trade union action if the government fails to address their concerns. He warned that maintenance and repair work would be halted during the strike, and authorities may be forced to shut down main power grids for safety reasons.

The government’s proposal, which has Cabinet approval pending, aims to dismantle the CEB and redistribute its assets, liabilities, and operations among six subsidiary companies. Officials argue the move will improve efficiency and transparency, but trade unions fear it will undermine job security, employee benefits, and operational accountability.

The engineers have put forward eight demands, including guarantees that employee benefits will not be reduced, proper auditing and transfer of assets, protection of EPF and pension funds, fair salary adjustments, mechanisms to resolve workplace disputes, restoration of suspended benefits for voluntary retirees, and a structured plan to handle future crises during restructuring.

With 24 electricity trade unions backing the warning, tensions between the government and power sector employees are escalating. If negotiations fail, Sri Lanka could face an unprecedented blackout, affecting households, businesses, and critical services nationwide.
Unless both sides reach a compromise before the gazette is issued, Sri Lanka risks a nationwide power disruption that could have serious economic and social consequences.