Sri Lanka’s historic electricity authority is being dissolved after decades of service, with power sector operations shifting to six newly formed companies under a sweeping restructuring plan.
The Ceylon Electricity Board, the institution that powered Sri Lanka for decades, will officially cease operations at midnight today. From tomorrow, its responsibilities will be transferred to six newly established companies as part of a major electricity sector reform.
Under the restructuring plan, nearly 20,000 employees who previously worked under the CEB will be reassigned to the new institutions. Authorities say steps have been taken to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining continuity in electricity generation, transmission and distribution services.
The administration has also addressed salary concerns raised during the 2024 wage revisions. Employees will receive increases of 10 percent, 5 percent and 7 percent under a revised salary framework. Officials confirm that arrears will be paid with effect from January 1, 2026.
Chief Executive Officers have already been appointed to three of the newly formed power companies starting from the sixth.
With the legal dissolution of the CEB, nearly 40 trade unions operating within the institution will also lose their registration after midnight.
The CEB itself was established on November 1, 1969 through the Ceylon Electricity Board Act No. 17 of 1969, replacing the earlier Department of Government Electrical Undertakings.
