No Reduction in Extra Duty Allowances for Doctors, Assures Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa provided a detailed explanation of the government's efforts to increase the salaries and allowances of doctors.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister outlined several key changes that will take effect from April, aimed at improving the financial well-being of medical professionals.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that the extra duty allowances for doctors across various grades will see significant increases.

For the preliminary grade, the allowance will rise from Rs. 687 to Rs. 765 per hour.

Grade 2 doctors will see their allowance increase from Rs. 796 to Rs. 925 per hour, while Grade 1 doctors will receive an increase from Rs. 1,101 to Rs. 1,307 per hour.

Junior consultants will benefit from an increase from Rs. 1,302 to Rs. 1,542 per hour.

In addition to extra duty allowances, holiday allowances will also be increased.

Preliminary grade doctors will see their holiday allowance rise from Rs. 2,714.50 to Rs. 3,138.

Grade 2 doctors will receive an increase from Rs. 2,915 to Rs. 3,379, and Grade 1 doctors will see their allowance increase from Rs. 3,590 to Rs. 4,189.

Junior consultants will benefit from an increase from Rs. 4,400 to Rs. 5,200.

The annual salary increment for doctors will also see a substantial increase.

The current increment of Rs. 1,335 will be raised to Rs. 2,400, while other increments will see similar increases.

For example, the increment of Rs. 1,345 will be increased to Rs. 2,420, and the increment of Rs. 2,170 will be raised to Rs. 3,900.

Dr. Jayatissa highlighted that these changes will result in noticeable salary increases for doctors.

For instance, a preliminary grade doctor with a basic salary of Rs. 54,290 will see their total salary increase from Rs. 241,173 to Rs. 258,887 in April, and further to Rs. 283,165 by January 2027.

The Minister also explained the changes to the PAYE tax, which will provide significant tax exemptions for doctors.

Those earning between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 150,000 will now be fully exempt from taxes. Additionally, those earning up to Rs. 200,000 will have a 72% tax exemption, while those earning up to Rs. 250,000 and Rs. 300,000 will have 62% and 46% exemptions, respectively.

Despite these positive changes, Dr. Jayatissa expressed concern over the recent decision by the GMOA to hold nationwide strikes, which could cause inconvenience to patients. He urged all doctors to refrain from taking unfair trade union actions and emphasized his willingness to engage in discussions with any association to resolve issues.