Sajith Promises Salary Hike For Public Sector

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate of Samagi Jana Balawegaya, has pledged to liberate public servants from the government’s tax burdens and to enhance the value of their service.

Premadasa, pledged a series of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of government officials and boosting the economy.

Addressing a gathering, Premadasa emphasized the importance of public servants, promising a 24% salary increase and raising the living allowance from 18,700 to 25,000 rupees. This move ensures a minimum salary of 57,500 rupees for all government officials.

Premadasa also outlined plans to overhaul the current tax system, proposing a reduction in the tax range from 6%-36% to 1%-24%. This reform aims to provide substantial relief to the middle class and public service workers.

In addressing pension disparities, Premadasa committed to offering a 15% interest rate on savings accounts for the elderly and ensuring a pension mandate for those recruited since 2015. 

The 'One Rank, One Pension' program for the armed forces and the 28,000 rupee allowance for the police sector will be extended beyond the current three-month period.

Highlighting the plight of civil defense personnel in the Mullaitivu district, Premadasa criticized the current government's plan to offer them three million rupees to leave their positions. He reaffirmed his party's stance against this proposal, emphasizing their efforts in Parliament to protect these jobs.

In a move to eradicate poverty, Premadasa announced a plan to provide 20,000 rupees per month to every poor family for 24 months. This initiative will integrate successful elements from programs like Jana Saviya, Samurdhi, and Gami Diriya.

"Our comprehensive plan focuses on saving, investment, consumption, production, and export to uplift our nation," Premadasa stated, outlining his vision for a prosperous and equitable Sri Lanka.