• This, on top of the Rs 10,000 increment given by the previous Govt.
• Claims many state employees only received Rs. 5,000
• Warns of TU action if their calls are not heeded

The Sri Lanka Government Officers’ Trade Union Association (SLGOTUA) urged the Government to increase the salaries of State sector employees by Rs. 15,000, in addition to the Rs. 10,000 increment granted by the previous government led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, making it a total increment of Rs. 25,000, as proposed by trade union leaders affiliated with the Government.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (29) SLGOTUA National Organiser B. A. P. Basnayake stated that a total increment of Rs. 25,000 must be provided, as initially proposed by Government-affiliated trade union leaders like Wasantha Samarasinghe, who currently holds ministerial portfolios. “The former President Wickremesinghe increased salaries by Rs. 10,000. Now, we are requesting the Government to raise salaries by Rs. 15,000, making the total increment Rs. 25,000,” he added.

He further noted that the Government is reportedly considering a Rs. 6,500 salary increase, which he described as “misleading” to state sector employees. “We only received Rs. 5,000 out of the Rs. 10,000 increment. The Government promised to pay the remaining amount starting January next year, with arrears. From what we know so far, the upcoming Budget is supposed to include an allowance of Rs. 1,500 in addition to the Rs. 5,000, making it Rs. 6,500. But in reality, employees will only receive Rs. 1,500 as an actual increment,” he stated.

Basnayake also urged the Government to repeal the decision taken by previous administrations to abolish the pension scheme for employees from 2016 onwards. He criticised remarks made by certain ministers about reducing the public service cadre. “Some ministers are attempting to create public hatred towards the public service. Ironically, some of these ministers are former trade union leaders who led trade union actions. They should remember that they came to power through these very actions. Over 90% of public servants voted to elect this Government, and trade union members contributed to their party’s fund. They have a responsibility to look after public sector employees,” he noted.

He also warned that trade unions would take action if the Government attempts to suppress the voice of public sector employees. “We want to remind them that if they disregard our demands, we can use the same methods they once used against other governments,” he said.

His remarks follow Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha’s statement that a salary increase for public sector employees “must” take place in 2025.