CEB Media Spokesman Engineer Dhammika Wimalaratne said an Extraordinary Gazette Notification had been issued to establish the six successor companies, transferring all responsibilities of the former power utility to the newly created entities.
The Gazette, which came into effect today (March 9, 2026), formally ends the 56-year-old institution that operated under the Ceylon Electricity Board Act No. 17 of 1969.
Under the new structure, the electricity sector will now be managed through six separate companies responsible for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and system operations.
The move also activates the remaining provisions of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024, except for several specified sections.
Wimalaratne said the restructuring means the operational structure of the CEB no longer exists, with its functions fully transferred to the new companies.
“All employees of the CEB, except those who applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), have been assigned to the six successor companies. Their appointment letters will be issued from tomorrow (March 10),” he said.
Employees who opted for the VRS are considered to have resigned from last night, although their benefits will be provided later. Their resignation letters are expected to be issued today.
He also noted that the existing media spokesman position attached to the CEB will cease, while each of the six companies is expected to appoint its own spokesperson.
Wimalaratne assured the public that the restructuring would not disrupt electricity generation or supply.
Meanwhile, Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd (LECO) will operate under the newly established distribution company as part of the restructuring.
Officials say the creation of multiple state-owned companies is aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of the country’s electricity sector.
