– Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody
A discussion with regard to the current situation of the electricity restructuring program, with a special focus on criticisms raised by the employees was held between Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody and representatives of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions this morning (02).
Speaking at the event, the Minister mentioned that the opinions, criticisms and grievances of the CEB employees had been taken into account whenever possible and that action was taken accordingly paying attention to the issues emerged throughout the restructuring program. He added that he expects to continue this approach in the future as well.
He stated that, after the passing of the Act, companies with one hundred percent government ownership were established and pre notices were given to employees in accordance with the Act. He also mentioned that if there were any ambiguities or drawbacks in the process, they are ready to discuss and address them. He also reminded that according to the Companies Act of this country, companies are legally referred to as (private) companies, and that some people are attempting to misleadingly portray this as privatization using those words, and emphasized the importance of informing the employees of the real situation.
The trade union representatives who spoke at the event stated that a more formal and efficient information communication system is highly needed, and that the lack of good communication of information has become an obstacle throughout this entire process, which has led to confusion among employees, and that employees are questioning the trade unions about this.
The Minister expressed his readiness to take steps to resolve any drawbacks in the existing mechanism or legal issues, as well as any matters that may have been overlooked due to the excessive workload that had to be done within a limited timeframe.
The Minister further mentioned about the employee assignations and company to be established for the Provident Fund and the Pension Fund, and about the relevant committee for a collective agreement as requested by the trade unions in a previous discussion. He also stated that the employees need be notified with necessary information at the trade union level and need to work collaboratively to achieve success in the process.
He emphasized that the information and details with regard to assigning employees to the established companies or the employee voluntary retirement scheme will be notified in the future in accordance with the legal provisions. He also added that it is the responsibility of the workforce and genuine trade unions to support the new government’s program to reverse the previous government’s privatization scheme and establish state ownership of the electricity sector, and that all parties must collaborate to successfully carry out this very complex unprecedented process.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Secretary of the Lanka Electricity Employees’ Union, Jayantha Gunaratne, said that being the trade union representing the largest number of employees in the electricity sector in this country, the union has well received this restructuring program while also mentioning that he always appreciate how things are carried out through consultation with the trade unions and the consideration given to proposals that arise.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, Electrical Engineer Pubudu Niroshan, as well as several electrical trade union representatives participated in this event.