Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a strong call for the immediate implementation of a promised salary increase for government employees, demanding that the current administration clarify the whereabouts of the allocated funds. This appeal was made during a discussion with representatives of the State Employees Union at the New Democratic Front office in Colombo on October 23.
Wickremesinghe articulated that if he had won the presidential election, he would have implemented the salary increase starting in January. He expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to execute the raise, stating, “If the salary increase is not given, the government should immediately reveal where the money allocated for it is.” His remarks underline the urgency of addressing the financial struggles that public employees face in the wake of rising living costs.
The former president stressed that the Cabinet’s decision to raise salaries was made legally under Article 43 of the Constitution. He explained that the proposal had been designed to provide relief to public servants who have been severely affected by the depreciating value of wages. “By the year 2022, the value of people’s wages had decreased by fifty percent,” he said, highlighting that many families have been forced to take on debt and some have even sold their property to make ends meet.
During the meeting, Wickremesinghe painted a stark picture of the current economic landscape, noting the dire conditions faced by many families. He lamented that children were attending school without breakfast and that numerous families had stopped sending their children to tuition classes, which are increasingly essential for academic success. “I did not want these social systems to collapse,” he emphasized, advocating for the protection of public welfare through timely financial support.
To address the salary issue, Wickremesinghe appointed the Udaya Seneviratne Committee, tasking it with evaluating the proposed salary increase. The committee was given three months to deliver a report but provided its findings sooner, indicating the pressing nature of the problem. Wickremesinghe noted that the committee acknowledged the significant need for salary increases and estimated the costs involved.
In a critical moment during the discussion, Wickremesinghe recounted his conversations with the Treasury Secretary, who indicated that the current budget could not accommodate the requested salary increases. “I asked the Treasury Secretary if he could give the said amount, and he said he could not,” Wickremesinghe explained. This statement reflects the ongoing financial constraints faced by the government, complicating efforts to implement salary increases for public employees.
Wickremesinghe’s frustration grew as he elaborated on the Cabinet’s consensus to approve the salary increase, proposing that it be implemented in two phases: a 50% increase in one year and the remaining 50% in the subsequent year. He reiterated that even though the increase may not fully counteract the impact of inflation, it would provide significant relief to government employees who are struggling to survive in the current economic climate.
The former president expressed disbelief at the current government’s inaction, stating, “If you say you don’t have money, it’s a strange story.” He called upon the government to stop postponing the salary increase, asserting that “people cannot survive” under the current financial burdens. He emphasized the legal basis for the salary hike, stating that it was approved through proper channels and did not require additional Treasury approvals.
Wickremesinghe also urged civil servants to mobilize in support of their rights, framing the fight for the salary increase as a collective responsibility. “This battle is now in your hands,” he said, encouraging public employees to stand firm and advocate for the promised raise. He pointed out that the situation had worsened since the previous administration, and now it was critical for the current government to deliver on its commitments.
Furthermore, Wickremesinghe called for public solidarity in pushing for the salary increase. He criticized opposition leaders who appear to support the current administration, indicating that they should be held accountable for failing to advocate for the welfare of public servants. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that government employees receive the financial support they deserve, especially with the Sinhala New Year approaching.
As the discussion concluded, Wickremesinghe reiterated his stance on the necessity of the salary increase, affirming, “This salary increase is legal.” He pledged that he had approved the increase only after thorough consideration of the economic conditions affecting public employees, urging the current government to honor its obligations and provide the necessary financial support without further delay.
