News
CEB engineers raise alarm over power sector stability
A senior electrical engineers attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have warned that unresolved structural and policy issues within the power sector could threaten the long-term stability of the national grid, urging authorities to act swiftly to address mounting technical and administrative concerns.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said the electricity network was operating under increasing strain due to delayed infrastructure upgrades, financial constraints, and growing demand.
“The national grid is not something that can be managed casually. It requires systematic planning, preventive maintenance, and timely investment. If these are compromised, the risk to system stability increases,” the engineers said.
They noted that several transmission and substation modernisation projects were behind schedule, while ageing thermal plants continued to shoulder a significant portion of the country’s base load demand.
“Engineers are committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply. But professional expertise must be respected in decision-making. Technical matters cannot be subjected to short-term political considerations,” the engineers added.
Meanwhile, the powerful Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) echoed similar concerns, warning that failure to address long standing professional and structural issues could have serious consequences for the power sector.
In a statement, the CEBEU has said that engineers have repeatedly called for reforms that safeguard the integrity of the utility and ensure that operational decisions remain grounded in technical evaluation.
“The electricity sector is a critical national asset. Any attempt to weaken institutional safeguards or bypass professional consultation will directly impact service reliability and long-term sustainability,” the union said.
The CEBEU has stressed the importance of transparent engagement between policymakers and technical personnel, noting that morale among engineers could be affected if their concerns continue to go unheard.
Industry analysts point out that the power sector plays a central role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts, particularly as the country seeks to expand industrial activity and attract investment. Stability in electricity supply remains a key determinant of business confidence.
The senior engineer stressed d that the objective of raising concerns is not confrontation but preservation of the grid’s integrity.
“Our responsibility is to the public. Electricity powers hospitals, industries, and homes. Safeguarding the system is a national duty,” he said.
With tensions simmering within the sector, stakeholders say meaningful dialogue between authorities, engineers, and trade unions will be crucial in ensuring that Sri Lanka’s power infrastructure remains resilient in the face of growing challenges.
By Ifham Nizam
USS Canberra of the United States Navy departed the island on 14 Jun 26, following a successful replenishment port call. The Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional naval farewell to the departing vessel at the Port of Colombo.
During the ship’s stay, the Commanding Officer of USS Canberra called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters
News
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the use of local organic agricultural products in bakery production would provide significant support to both local farmers and the growth of the tourism industry.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Annual meeting of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on Friday (12 June).
The Prime Minister stated,
“At a decisive moment when the country is moving towards a new phase of economic transformation, I believe that the bakery industry has the potential to become a key driver of the national economy, rather than remaining limited to flour-based products alone.
The food production must be mainly considered the quality and safety of food. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on taste, we should introduce nutritious and healthy products to the market that are free from artificial flavourings and colourings.
By using ingredients such as rice flour, finger millet, foxtail millet, green gram, and indigenous tubers to create value-added products, the bakery industry has the opportunity to capitalize on the growing global trend towards health-conscious diets.
The use of local organic agricultural products in food prepared for foreign tourists will provide substantial benefits to local farmers while also contributing to the growth of the tourism industry. At the same time, the government remains committed to strengthening local entrepreneurs by reducing challenges related to the importation of raw materials, providing concessionary loans for new technologies, and offering the technical assistance required to meet international standards.
The government has already launched programmes through the Ministry of Industries to provide the necessary training and market linkages to help small and medium-scale bakery owners develop and expand their businesses”.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association N.K. Jayawardana, and a number of members of the Association were also present at the event.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from the UNICEF on Friday (June 12) at Temple Trees to discuss ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the education sector following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
Discussions focused on the implementation of activities outlined in the report titled “Cyclone Ditwah Education Emergency Response Plan: Phase 1 Progress Updates (January–April 2026).” The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved during the initial phase of the response and to discuss future interventions aimed at supporting children and schools affected by the disaster.
The Prime Minister and the UNICEF delegation also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to ensure the continuity of education and the well-being of affected children.
The UNICEF delegation included Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative, Begona Arellano, Deputy Representative, and other UNICEF officials.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
USS Canberra departs Colombo
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister meets with UNICEF delegation
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