No wage hike for CEB employees

by Ananda Kannangara

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday rejected the 33 per cent salary increment, demanded by its employees, despite the threat of a countrywide blackout, planned by the Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya on October 17.

Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne told the `Sunday Observer' that he was not prepared to increase the salaries even by a cent right now.

Accusing the JVP backed, Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya union, Minister Seneviratne said it was unfair to demand a salary increase at a time when the salaries of all CEB employees were increased considerably some months ago.