The State and Provincial Government Trade Unions’ Federation has strongly criticized the 2025 budget, claiming that it has shattered the hopes of public servants who had placed their trust in the new government.
Addressing the media, the federation’s General Secretary, Ajith K. Thilakaratne, expressed deep disappointment over the government’s failure to deliver the expected salary increases for public sector employees.
“Public servants listened to this budget with great expectations, believing that the new government would honor its promises. However, what has been presented is a budget that deceives public servants, leaving them deeply disillusioned,” Thilakaratne stated.
According to him, public sector employees had unanimously demanded a salary increase of Rs. 20,000 and had actively supported the election of the new government with the hope that it would fulfill this demand. However, the budget has fallen far short of these expectations, leading to mounting frustration and unrest among government employees.
The government had promised to increase the minimum basic salary of public servants from Rs. 24,250 to Rs. 40,000. Many expected this increase to be implemented from January 2025, with arrears paid retroactively. However, instead of an immediate salary hike, the budget proposes a gradual increase of Rs. 15,750, to be implemented in phases until 2027.
Adding to their disappointment, public servants were also promised an additional Rs. 7,500, but this amount has now been merged into the Rs. 15,750 increase, effectively reducing the actual salary gain.
Thilakaratne rejected the government’s claims that public sector salaries have been meaningfully increased, arguing that this budget offers only a minimal increment, far below expectations.
“We do not accept this so-called salary increase. Public servants deserve a salary hike of at least Rs. 25,000, and if the government fails to fulfill this demand, we will be forced to take action. We have fought before for our rights, and if necessary, we will take to the streets again,” he warned.
He also pointed out that public servants had previously engaged in protests under former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government, making it clear that they will not hesitate to launch another struggle if their demands are ignored.
With rising dissatisfaction and calls for large-scale protests, the government now faces growing pressure from the public sector workforce, which is demanding immediate and substantial wage reforms.
