In a stunning turn of events at the heart of Sri Lanka’s energy sector, Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya has reportedly stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), citing overwhelming political interference and resistance to cost-reflective tariff policies.
The resignation letter, sources say, has already been dispatched to the Ministry of Energy. Dr. Siyambalapitiya’s departure comes amid growing friction between the CEB’s internal policy goals and external political pressures especially surrounding the highly sensitive issue of electricity pricing.
Insiders close to the matter suggest that the Chairman had grown increasingly frustrated with what he deemed “unnecessary meddling” from the political establishment, which hindered his ability to carry out a tariff revision aligned with the real operational costs determined by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
Compounding the tension is an upcoming electricity tariff hike proposal one that reportedly exceeds a 30% increase prepared by the CEB following IMF-recommended fiscal reforms. The move, though contentious, is aimed at stabilizing the sector and aligning pricing with actual expenditure, a key stipulation under Sri Lanka’s ongoing agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
The proposed tariff hike is currently under review and awaits formal submission to the PUCSL for approval. If implemented, it could mark one of the most significant adjustments in energy pricing in recent years potentially triggering public backlash but deemed necessary by fiscal authorities.
Dr. Siyambalapitiya’s resignation underscores the growing conflict between economic reform mandates and political reluctance, highlighting a broader dilemma facing public sector governance in the country.
His exit now raises questions over who will step into the leadership vacuum at the CEB and whether the government will allow technocratic autonomy or continue to assert political control over one of Sri Lanka’s most critical utilities.
