CEB GM surrounded by over 150 engineers in noisy protest

By Ifham Nizam

More than 150 Colombo City-based members of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) yesterday surrounded the CEB General Manager at its headquarters in Fort in protest against the Board’s decision to send AGM Transmission Janaka Aluthge on compulsory leave.

General Manager M.R. Ranatunga was not available for comment following the noisy protest.

A senior CEBEU member told The Island that they would not take the matter lightly.

The irate union member alleged that the letter that had been sent the AGM on compulsory leave was endorsed by CEB Chairman M.M.C Ferdinando due to the fact Aluthge opposed the controversial New Fortress deal, now before the Supreme Court.

CEBEU yesterday stepped up its work-to-rule campaign, making six demands including the cancellation of the illegal LNG deal with the US firm New Fortress Energy and the continuation of the LNG tender process that had been progressing when this backdoor deal was struck.

Newly launched Senior Engineers Association Spokesman Eng. Nandika Pathirage told The Island that matters would have been different if anyone had raised a hand against the General Manager.

CEB Chairman M. M.C. Ferdinando has complained about the Monday night blackout to the Criminal Investigations Department.