Estate workers wage to be gazetted in two weeks

COLOMBO (News1st): The Rs 1000 daily wage of estate workers, that was approved by the Wages Board, would be gazetted in two weeks, plantation minister Dr Ramesh Pathirana has said. "Once it (the gazette) is published all companies will have to pay this wage," Dr Pathirana, told parliament on Tuesday. But Velu Kumar, a parliamentarian attached to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, pointed out that estate companies have warned of slashing working days if the new wage is to be given. "If they act in a manner that inconveniences the workers, we will prepare the necessary framework to regulate such a situation," Pathirana noted.