The government will not allow an electricity crisis or a power cut in Sri Lanka, despite the ongoing trade union action by electricity workers, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing today, Minister Jayatissa assured a continuous electricity supply, stating that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure this.
“The government will not allow any sabotage. If such a thing occurs, we will ensure the stringent imposition of the law,” he warned.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that Sri Lanka will face a crisis if the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is not restructured.
“We must do this restructuring to give concessions to the public. The former government was intending to lay off 50% and privatise the CEB. But, instead, we have divided it into four entities and have retained it as state entities,” he said.
The Cabinet Spokesman further said that the government’s goal was to make the CEB a portable state entity and provide concessions to the public, clarifying that the government also has no intention of privatising the CEB.
“We have no idea of suspending any workers. If any worker wants to leave, we are ready to provide sufficient compensation. Those who do not agree to the changes can leave,” he added.
The Cabinet Spokesman made the remarks in response to questions raised by journalists on a possible power crisis in the future due to the ongoing trade union action by CEB workers against the government’s decision to restructure the CEB. (Newswire)