Ranjan Jayalal, General Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Employees Union, made strong statements about the government’s current hold over the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) while addressing a media conference in Colombo today. Jayalal emphasized that the government is now firmly in the hands of its own people, and highlighted that the bonuses of LEB employees are being paid under their administration.
In his remarks, Jayalal pointed out that the current Minister overseeing the Ceylon Electricity Board is a close associate of his party, signaling their influence in key positions. However, he also expressed concerns about internal leaks within the Board, alleging that certain individuals—whom he referred to as “foxes”—are compromising the integrity of the organization. He vowed to tackle this issue swiftly, saying, “We will catch these foxes by the ear and throw them out.”
Jayalal’s comments reflect a broader narrative of internal consolidation within the government and a push for greater control over public sector operations, particularly at the Ceylon Electricity Board. He assured the media that his government is committed to strengthening the Board and addressing the challenges it faces, including addressing corruption and improving operations.
With the government now firmly in place, Jayalal also stated that necessary proposals for the reform of the Electricity Board are being brought forward, signaling a period of change and restructuring within the sector. His remarks seem to suggest that the current administration is focused on rooting out internal corruption and enhancing the performance of state-owned utilities, particularly in the energy sector.