National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakmali Hemachandra has announced a major restructuring proposal to break the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into five separate companies in an effort to reduce electricity tariffs for the public. Speaking on Sirasa Rupavahini, Hemachandra emphasized that this plan aims to improve efficiency and slash rising power costs.
She stressed that the CEB, in its current centralized structure, is burdened with inefficiencies that directly impact its ability to deliver affordable electricity. “The CEB owes nearly Rs. 200 billion to the Treasury. As a single institution, its lack of productivity makes it impossible to provide electricity at low prices,” she explained.
Hemachandra stated that decentralizing the CEB into five functional entities would allow better management, improved transparency, and more competitive pricing for consumers. The plan is also expected to address financial mismanagement and reduce the state’s fiscal burden.
The proposed split would align with reforms aimed at modernizing the energy sector and attracting investment. According to Hemachandra, the long-term goal is to ensure reliable, low-cost electricity supply through a more accountable and performance-based structure.
She concluded by noting that only through bold structural changes can Sri Lanka overcome its chronic power sector issues and bring real relief to the people.
