At a recent press conference in Wellaweediya, Negombo, MP Nimal Lanza voiced sharp criticisms against the current government, urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to clarify his stance on salary increases for public servants as outlined by the Udaya Senaviratne Committee report. Lanza demanded that the government fulfill its promise to improve public sector wages, a promise that he claims helped National People’s Power gain significant support from public sector workers.
Lanza stated that public sector unions, particularly those affiliated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), had long called for increased wages and an end to pay disparities. These unions staged large-scale protests under the former administration, demanding a salary increase in response to rising living costs. When the economy was stabilized under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he implemented an initial pay hike of Rs. 10,000 for government employees. The Udaya Senaviratne Committee was then formed to assess and recommend further wage adjustments, calling for a minimum salary of Rs. 55,000 and an allowance increase of Rs. 25,000.
“The Udaya Senaviratne Committee’s recommendations were based on detailed analysis and consultations with 91 major trade unions,” Lanza explained. “Now, the government should clarify if they will honor this report, which public sector workers widely support.”
He pointed out that JVP-affiliated unions had previously pressured Ranil Wickremesinghe to increase wages and secure fair compensation for public employees. Lanza accused the current administration of failing to follow through on those promises, noting that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya recently cited a lack of allocated funds for salary increases. Lanza emphasized that the 2024 Appropriation Act would earmark funds for this purpose and called on the government to ensure that public sector wage adjustments appear in the 2025 budget.
Lanza further noted that the administration’s promises to increase wages every six months have not yet materialized, and he warned that deferring the budget could lead to distrust among public sector supporters. “Public servants voted with trust in the NPP’s platform. If the government cannot meet these commitments, then they should at least implement the minimum increase Ranil Wickremesinghe had approved.”
Lanza concluded by urging President Dissanayake to openly declare his intentions regarding the Udaya Senaviratne Committee’s report and ensure that promised increases are reflected in the upcoming budget. As the budget presentation approaches, public servants and trade unions are closely watching for clear signals from the government on its commitment to fulfilling these promises.
