The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) has voiced apprehension regarding the mounting legal expenses incurred by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), attributing it to the utilization of private lawyers in contravention of decisions made by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Expressing their concerns, the CEBEU addressed Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary of the Ministry overseeing the CEB, in a formal letter.
The letter underscored that, in accordance with a cabinet decision, any government official discovered to have employed public funds for engaging private lawyers would be personally liable to reimburse the incurred amount. Despite this regulation, the CEB reportedly continued to enlist the services of private legal practitioners instead of seeking support from the Attorney General’s Department in numerous cases throughout the past year.
The CEB Engineers’ Union revealed that the CEB expended over 130 million rupees on legal fees in the combined years of 2022 and 2023. Notably, this amount surpasses the total legal costs accumulated by the board over the six-year period spanning from 2015 to 2021.
In response to these raised concerns, CEB Chairman N.S. Ilangakoon clarified that the engagement of private lawyers was aligned with decisions endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers. He emphasized that the CEB adhered to established procedures mandated for obtaining legal services, following presidential directives.
