News Today: CEB Reforms in Electricity Sector without Privatisation

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) recently clarified that while reforms in the electricity sector will proceed, there will be no privatisation. In a statement, the CEB explained that it must implement reforms proposed by external sources due to a lack of internal changes within the organization over decades. According to the CEB, these reforms align with the transformative mandate of the current President of Sri Lanka, aiming to modernize the energy sector.

The CEB’s Board of Directors expressed a vision for a people-centric, clean, and secure electricity sector. Their goal is to achieve the region’s lowest electricity costs within the next five years through a single-buyer market model. Key reforms include an Independent System Operator (ISO) and the separation of generation, transmission, and distribution functions through amendments to the Electricity Act, all without privatising state-owned electricity assets. In addition, a proposal suggests creating a committee with representatives from all employee levels to support future initiatives by the Ministry of Energy.

Under the Ministry’s guidance, CEB is embarking on a people-centered energy transition. Recently, the CEB conducted an online awareness program led by the Chairman and Board of Directors for all staff, highlighting the need for change to ensure efficient operations and improved customer satisfaction. In the CEB’s statement, it emphasized the importance of regular reforms to boost service quality, enhance employee welfare, and ensure profits that benefit the social economy.