CEB to protest against power tariff hike

By Ifham Nizam

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees would stage a countrywide protest today if the proposed 65 percent tariff hike was approved, a senior trade unionist vowed.

CEB United Trade Union Alliance Convener Ranjan Jayalal told The Island that if Parliament endorsed the tariff hike, all workers would be on the streets between 12 noon and 2.00 p.m. “We invite the public to join hands against the Power and Energy Ministry move to further burden the people with a fresh power tariff revision, on top of the big increase imposed in August, while many were barely getting a square meal each day,” Jayalal said.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) is organising a press briefing today to spell out its stance. The CEBEU is very critical about the move though some seniors had endorsed the hike saying the public is okay with a tariff hike.

Jayalal also said they would not disconnect power of those unable to pay their bills, those who could afford should pay.