An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, initiating the transfer of functions and duties of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), effective March 9. This development facilitates the establishment of six successor companies responsible for electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and system operations.
The Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, is set to come into effect on March 9, 2026, with certain sections excluded, marking a significant restructuring of the CEB. The issuance of Gazette No. 2478/41 marks the culmination of key regulatory milestones essential for the power sector’s restructuring:
Preliminary Transfer Plan: Prepared by the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat on January 5, 2026.
National Policy Approval: On March 3, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the national electricity and tariff policies as part of the broader national energy policy.
Technical Planning: On February 18, 2026, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) finalized the Annual Power Procurement Plan, the Long Term Generation Expansion Plan, and the Long Term Transmission Development Plan.
While a substantial portion of the Act will be effective from March 9, foundational sections related to preliminary administration and regulatory framework establishment have been active since June 27, 2024.
This initiative effectively starts the transition of functions, duties, and assets from the CEB to the new entities, aiming to modernize electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Sri Lanka.
