Colombo, November 26 (Daily Mirror) - As the only CEB trade union representing the government, they are confident that the government will fulfill their demands, including providing the bonus, said Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union General Secretary, Ranjan Jaayalal.

Addressing the media, he said that this is their government which they helped establish. 

"As a trade union, we achieved our target on September 21. Now, we cannot approach the government as outsiders because the government is ours. After December 14, we will highlight the necessary issues and take action where required. As the trade union representing the government, we do not need to resort to street protests for our demands. Instead, it is our responsibility to remind the government of its duties," he added.

Jayalal noted that the CEB was labelled a loss-making institution in 2022. 

"We will expose those responsible for driving the CEB into financial losses. Officials who mismanaged the institution and diverted billions of rupees into their personal bank accounts do not deserve bonuses or even pensions. These individuals inflated their salaries by 100 percent before retiring to secure higher pensions. Such practices should not be tolerated," he emphasised.

He further explained that the CEB operates without relying on Treasury funds for purchases or employee payments. 

"The CEB earns its own expenses. It is essential to reduce electricity tariffs further for the public while ensuring salaries and welfare benefits for CEB employees who maintain a continuous power supply," Jayalal added.

Jayalal also stressed the importance of providing bonuses, particularly as the CEB is now making profits. 

"With Christmas approaching, the union urges the government to grant bonuses before December 10," he said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa stated that decisions regarding employee bonuses fall under the purview of the Electricity Board's management.

"Our request for employee bonuses has been unfairly portrayed in the media as a significant wrongdoing. We must remind everyone that we are a trade union representing the government," he clarified.

The Minister also reiterated that during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the government promised an electricity tariff revision that will benefit the people.