The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Dr. Tilak Siambalapitiya, is facing allegations of corruption after approving a pension payment to a senior audit officer who reportedly does not meet the eligibility requirements. Employees of the CEB have accused the Chairman of bypassing the board’s decision to reject the pension request, leading to plans for a formal complaint to be filed with the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission.
According to CEB trade union representatives, the board of directors had previously refused to grant the pension, citing the officer’s failure to meet the minimum requirement of 20 years of continuous service. However, a sub-committee overseeing the Pension Fund, which falls under the board’s jurisdiction, decided to approve the payment, prompting allegations of misuse of public funds.
The pension fund in question is designated for employees who have completed at least 20 years of service and reached the age of 55, in accordance with the CEB Act. The fund is administered by a committee consisting of CEB officials and does not receive contributions from employees.
Union members argue that granting the pension under these circumstances constitutes a significant breach of the Anti-Corruption Act. They claim the decision was made arbitrarily and violates the rules governing the fund’s administration.
The controversy has sparked concerns about governance practices at the CEB and could lead to further legal scrutiny.
