The Ceylon Electricity Boards Engineers Union (CBEU) has accused power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara for sidelining key unions on consultations on proposed electricity tariff adjustments, Restructuring plans, and managing its expenses.  

The CBEU claimed that most of the 58 unions in the CEB including their union have been left out in the consultation process.

The joint Secretary of the CEBEU, Eng Isuru Kasthurirathne said that CBEU which has called for an opportunity discuss about the CEB issues have been left out.

 “The Minister is selecting politically affiliated unions and unions which say yes to any decision taken by the minister,” he said.

The Minister Kanchana Wijesekera stated that he held discussions with representatives of the CEB Senior Engineers union, Electrical superintendents union, technical services and other unions.

 He also said that with the current tariff structure CEB total revenue for October was 33.6 billion while November was Rs 35.6 billion, and added that CEB requirement HFO, Napatha and Diesel to operate power stations for the month of January is Rs 35 billion. The requirement for month of January is Rs 38.45 billion.

The Minister has strongly defended an increase of the tariffs claiming that it would not be possible to manage the finances of the CEB if the rates are not revised.