Committee to probe CEB corruption charges

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: A committee comprising a retired judge would be appointed to inquire into the corruption charges and malpractices in the CEB during the last five years, Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Senevirathne said.

The minister expressed confidence that the inquiries regarding the corruption would be completed within a short period.

The Minister was addressing a gathering of CEB employees who were recipients of relief granted under the recommendations of the Political Victimization Committee. Around 80 employees who were found politically victimized were granted relief by the Committee.

The Minister denied certain media reports published in certain newspapers that the CEB harbouring corrupt officials," We could not sack any body before any one being found guilty by any formal inquiry. We would not protect any such person who would be found guilty of any such inquiry," he noted.

The Minister called upon the employees to minimize the corruption at the CEB. He observed that it was an uphill task to eradicate corruption but could only minimize it."All the state institutions has corruption, it is not possible to wipe it out."

The Minister pledged that the salaries of the CEB employees would be increased from next month. He said that he would obtain the Cabinet approval for the salary increase once he received the committee report on the salary revision.

The Minister alleged that certain trade unions try to take advantage of the minor matters in order to build up their image and to lure employees into their unions' membership.

Deputy Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage also spoke.

Ministry and the CEB officials were also present.