A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to transfer the functions and duties of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), with effect from 9 March.

According to the Gazette, provisions have been made to establish six successor companies responsible for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and system operations.

The Gazette notes that the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, will come into effect on 9 March 2026, except for several specific sections, paving the way for the restructuring of the CEB.

The issuance of Gazette No. 2478/41 follows the completion of several regulatory steps required for the restructuring of the power sector.

The Power Sector Reforms Secretariat prepared the preliminary transfer plan on 5 January 2026. Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the national electricity and tariff policies as part of the broader national energy policy on 3 March 2026.

In addition, the CEB finalised the Annual Power Procurement Plan, the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan, and the Long-Term Transmission Development Plan on 18 February 2026.

Certain foundational provisions of the Act, including those relating to preliminary administration and the establishment of regulatory frameworks, have already been in operation since 27 June 2024.

The move initiates the transfer of functions, duties and assets of the CEB to the successor entities as part of efforts to modernise the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Sri Lanka.