President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that strikes by health professionals cannot be justified, even after the government granted the largest salary increase in history without any demand or pressure from trade unions.
Speaking at a meeting with the Public Service United Nurses Association at the Presidential Secretariat, the President emphasized that this year’s budget prioritized raising the basic salaries of public servants. The move aimed to enhance efficiency in the public sector, attract skilled professionals, and sustain government services despite economic constraints.
He highlighted that the salary increments were introduced through six key measures, including a minimum Rs. 15,000 increase in basic salary, higher overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, pension adjustments reflecting the total salary increase, and a raised income tax threshold.
Representatives of the Public Service United Nurses Association welcomed the salary hike, noting that a significant portion of the public service appreciates the new government’s commitment. They also brought to the President’s attention the current challenges in the nursing profession, urging him to take prompt action to resolve them.
The meeting was attended by Venerable Murutthettuwe Ananda Thero, Chancellor of the University of Colombo and Chief Sanghanayake of the Western Province, along with Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and other senior officials of the Public Service United Nurses Association.
~PMD~
