The chairpersons of the four newly established electricity companies have informed employees engaged in strike action that they must report back to duty immediately.

The directive has been communicated through official letters sent to the striking workers.

According to the letters, under the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act No. 36 of 2024, all services of the Ceylon Electricity Board were transferred to four subsidiary companies with effect from the 9th of this month.

Employees have already been assigned to these companies.

The chairpersons point out that electricity has now been designated an essential service, and therefore, any employee abandoning duties under such circumstances is committing a serious offence under essential services regulations.

Accordingly, the employees have been instructed to report to their assigned duties within the electricity sector.

Meanwhile, during discussions held yesterday between the striking electricity trade union representatives and the chairpersons of the four electricity companies, agreement was reached to fulfil 62 out of 64 trade union demands. 

It was also agreed to arrange a discussion with the President regarding the remaining demands.

A letter containing these decisions, signed by the chairpersons of the four companies, has since been issued to the employees.

However, several trade unions, including those representing electrical engineers, continue their strike action. They state that they will not call off the strike until issues surrounding the legal validity of the letter are fully resolved.