A tense exchange unfolded during a Derana debate regarding the 2025 budget proposal to increase the minimum wage of private sector employees by Rs. 9,000. The discussion, which aired last night, saw Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera clashing with National People’s Power (NPP) MPs Najith Indika and Lakmali Hemachandra over the feasibility of implementing the wage increase.
MP Ajith Perera repeatedly questioned whether discussions had been held with private sector employers regarding the salary hike and if they had agreed to the proposed increase. However, no clear response was provided by the government representatives on the matter, leading to mounting pressure in the debate.
As the discussion intensified, Lakmali Hemachandra eventually refused to answer the question, stating that she would not comment further on the matter. This withdrawal added to the growing uncertainty over how the government intends to enforce the salary increase in the private sector.
The lack of a definitive response has raised concerns among private sector employees and business owners, with critics questioning whether the government has secured employer buy-in or if the proposal remains an unfinalized political commitment.
