COLOMBO (News 1st); Chairman of the Expert Committee on Public Service Salary Disparities, Udaya R. Seneviratne said that the basic salary of public service employees will be increased by a minimum of 24% for primary-level service categories.
For all government officials, salaries will gradually increase from an average of 24% to 50%, depending on current fiscal feasibility.
Seneviratne further said in light of prevailing inflation and economic conditions, a cost of living allowance of Rs. 25,000 will remain unchanged for three years and will be provided to all government employees for three consecutive years, starting from January 2025, with 2025 being considered the base year.
Udaya R. Seneviratne emphasized that regardless of which government is in power, there is a pressing need to increase the salaries of public servants.
These proposals were made to address and eliminate salary disparities, taking into account past trade union protests within the public service. Accordingly, the proposals have received approval from both the Cabinet and the Treasury.