Minister Samantha Vidyarathna clarifies that the Sri Lankan government cannot directly raise estate workers’ salaries but aims to push wages up to Rs. 1700 through negotiations between estate owners and trade unions.
Govt Aims to Raise Estate Workers’ Salary to Rs. 1700, But Says Direct Hike Not Possible
Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna has stated that the government cannot directly increase estate workers’ salaries, but is working as a mediator to help secure a wage increase to Rs. 1700.
The minister emphasized that salary decisions in the plantation sector fall under the collective agreement between estate employers and trade unions. The government, he said, plays a facilitating role rather than a direct decision-maker.
Vidyarathna explained that President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged this challenge during the national budget speech and assured that the state would take supportive action toward raising wages.
The government has already conducted several rounds of discussions with estate owners, pushing for a raise. Minister Vidyarathna stressed that in 2024, a strong effort is underway to uplift estate worker salaries, aiming to ensure fair compensation through consensus-driven mechanisms.
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