This risk assessment evaluates the strike by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees in Colombo, commencing July 22, over the Electricity Amendment Bill. It provides insights for business continuity, personnel safety, and operational preparedness amidst the potential disruption to electricity supply and critical infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Civil Disturbance Events?
Civil disturbance risk assessments evaluate how protests and industrial actions impact urban mobility, workplace safety, supply chains, and public services. They enable businesses to prepare for disruptions, mitigate risks to operations, and ensure staff welfare through timely intelligence.
Executive Summary
- Date of Incident: 22 July 2025
- Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Score: 4/5
- Confidence Level: 85%
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees’ strike in Colombo, commencing Tuesday, July 22, over the Electricity Amendment Bill, poses a significant and immediate risk to business operations and critical infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Drawing on historical data, such industrial actions typically lead to localized disruptions initially, with a high potential for escalation if demands are not met promptly. The likely duration window for significant operational impact is estimated at 3-7 days. The severity is assessed as high due to the direct impact on electricity supply, which is foundational to all economic activity and public services.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
Sensitive areas include the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Presidential Secretariat, and key financial institutions in the Fort area. Hospitals (e.g., National Hospital of Sri Lanka near Lipton Circus) are also sensitive due to critical power dependency.
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Road Closures: Major arteries leading to and from central Colombo are susceptible to closures, particularly around the Ministry of Power and Energy (e.g., Baladaksha Mawatha, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva Mawatha) and typical protest gathering points like Lipton Circus and Galle Face Green. Past CEB protests have specifically impacted roads surrounding the Fort area and Presidential Secretariat, as highlighted in the January 3, 2024 protest.
- Transport Disruption: Significant disruption to public and private transport within Colombo is expected, especially along protest routes. Bus services may be diverted or halted, and train services could face delays or cancellations due to power fluctuations or general unrest.
- Utility Damage: Direct physical damage to CEB assets or infrastructure due to the strike itself is unlikely, as the action is primarily withdrawal of labor. However, prolonged neglect of maintenance during an extended strike could lead to equipment failure or vulnerabilities. The primary impact is service disruption and potential grid instability rather than asset destruction.
- Business Operations: There is a high impact risk due to potential electricity cuts, disrupting all sectors, reducing productivity, and increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on backup power.
Recommended Actions
- Activate and test all uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and generators, ensuring adequate fuel reserves. Initiate immediate data backups and prepare for controlled system shutdowns.
- Implement HR protocols to assess work-from-home feasibility for non-essential personnel and ensure on-site employees have access to emergency resources. Establish clear internal communication channels for updates and safety guidelines.
- Proactively inform key clients and stakeholders about potential service delays via multiple channels. Prioritize essential services and activate contingency plans, such as rerouting critical customer inquiries to alternative communication lines or leveraging off-site backup facilities.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 100
- Fire Department: 102
- Ambulance: 101
Final Thoughts
The baseline scenario for the CEB strike involves a localized and short-lived disruption in Colombo, with sporadic power outages. However, a moderate escalation could lead to a prolonged strike with more frequent and longer scheduled power cuts across the Western Province. A severe escalation, though less probable, could result in an indefinite, nationwide strike causing widespread and prolonged power outages, civil unrest, and significant economic losses. Proactive measures, including ensuring backup power, flexible work arrangements, and clear communication, are crucial for businesses to mitigate the impact of this essential service strike.
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