Establishment of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was established by the Parliament of Sri Lanka in the late 1960s. Prior to this establishment, electricity in Sri Lanka was managed by multiple local authorities and private enterprises. This fragmented approach led to inefficiencies in the distribution and generation of electricity. Recognizing the critical need for a centralized and streamlined electricity supply system, the government prioritized the creation of a single statutory body to oversee all aspects of electrical energy management. The primary objectives of the CEB were to generate, transmit, distribute, and supply electricity to meet the growing demands of the population and the expanding industrial sector. With strategic goals to enhance electrification, the CEB embarked on initiatives to extend electricity to rural areas, which had previously been underserved. This effort was crucial in fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for many communities. The establishment of the CEB was a pivotal move in Sri Lanka's path towards modernization. At the time of its inception, the electricity coverage in Sri Lanka was limited, with only a fraction of households having access. The CEB's mandate included ambitious targets to increase the national electrification rate. Over the ensuing decades, the CEB undertook large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of hydroelectric plants and the improvement of transmission networks. These actions significantly boosted the electricity supply capacity and reliability across the nation. The impact of the CEB’s formation was evident through the rapid increase in electrification rates. Areas that were once without electricity became connected, driving social change and economic growth. Importantly, this centralization allowed for more effective planning and investment in renewable energy sources, aligning with global trends towards sustainable development. In the context of Sri Lanka's development history, the establishment of the CEB represents a key chapter. It was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the country's future electrical energy policies and infrastructure developments. The CEB continues to play a vital role in ensuring that Sri Lanka meets its energy needs efficiently and sustainably. #CeylonElectricityBoard #CEB #SriLankaEnergy #RuralElectrification #Hydropower #EnergyInfrastructure #MoofLife