Employees who applied for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) have raised concerns that the process has been further delayed due to what they describe as sabotage actions, causing uncertainty among applicants.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Energy, the affected employees urged authorities to expedite the announcement of an official date for the voluntary retirement programme.
The employees stated that they applied for the scheme following the restructuring of the CEB, as they were no longer attached to subsidiary companies. Their applications were submitted in accordance with the Sri Lanka Electricity Act (Amended) No. 36 of 2024 and the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2451/11 dated August 26, 2025, issued by the Minister of Energy.
In the letter, the employees expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative, describing the voluntary retirement programme as a positive step aimed at benefiting both the public and CEB workers. However, they noted that nearly 2,200 employees who applied for the scheme are now facing growing uncertainty about their future.
The employees said many had made personal and professional plans—including seeking alternative employment, starting businesses, or pursuing opportunities abroad—based on the expectation that the retirement process would proceed without delay. The continued postponement, they warned, has caused severe mental distress for applicants and their dependents.
They further stated that the absence of a confirmed retirement date, coupled with alleged sabotage actions, has heightened fears that the scheme may not be implemented as expected.
The employees appealed to the Energy Minister to consider the matter with fairness and compassion and to announce the voluntary retirement date as soon as possible to ensure the future well-being of those who applied.
