Reforms Bill could cripple CEB

By Gagani Weerakoon
The joint trade union federation representing the CEB, Ports, Railways and Petroleum workers yesterday threatened to bring the country to a standstill if the government brings the proposed Ceylon Electricity Board Reforms Bill to the Parliament in any day.

Convener of the federation, Sumathipala Manawadu said even though the government postponed presenting the Bill in Parliament on June 17 citing pruned powers vested with the Minister, they will not stop their trade union actions until the government decides to withdraw the Bill completely.

“We will hold our picket in front of the CEB head office today in Colombo as planned. All workers attached to the Ports, Railways and Petroleum will go on strike along with their CEB counterparts on same day the government presents the CEB reforms Bill,” he said.

Convener of the CEB Joint Trade Union Federation, Ranjan Jayalal alleged the Bill was drafted according to the whims and fancies of international funding agencies and none in the CEB hierarchy got involved in drafting the Bill. “We are not agitating to win our rights or any benefit due to us like a salary increment. It is to protect a national resource in the future as well. When we asked the reason for the Bill, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said it was because this institution was corrupt and inefficient. What the Minister forgot was that it is the same inefficient workers who were applauded by the government for working efficiently during the post tsunami period and during the Awakening of the East programme,” he said.

Mr. Jayalal said they would not let the government pass the CEB reforms Bill under any circumstances as it will only destroy the Board.

Meanwhile, JVP and the UNP affiliated trade unions of the Ports Authority threatened they will bring the entire port to a standstill in support of the CEB unions. “We will make the price of a kilo of Dhal Rs. 600 in the local market and we are sorry to say that the public will have to face inconveniences. But the government will have to take the responsibility for such inconveniences,” they said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power and Energy John Seneviratne said the government will not and could not tolerate such “illegal and unfair” strikes.