Additional Rs.1,000 for public servants

Rohan MATHES

COLOMBO: On a decision taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government sector employees will receive a pay hike of Rs. 1,000 from July.

President Rajapaksa reached this decision following a four hour discussion he had with representatives of 50 trade unions, in which several factors had been taken into consideration and discussed, at Temple Trees yesterday. Only three of the unions invited were not present.

This additional allowance would cost the Government Rs.7,000 million.

The President noted that despite the considerable outlay borne by the Government for the humanitarian operations carried out in the North, the mega development programmes undertaken in the country and the diverse welfare facilities provided, the Government was providing the salary increase, to offer some form of relief to the Government sector employees, in the escalating COL burden.

President Rajapaksa said the Unions should consider the current economic constraints when making various demands. He said the Government appreciated the services rendered by public sector employees and decided to grant this allowance even amid difficulties.

“We took this decision amid many constraints. We can raise salaries to a higher point, but then there will be less funds for national security, development and welfare. But we will not stop any of these even while granting you this relief,” he told the trade union representatives.

Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera said the Government faced several challenges such as the rise in crude oil prices, the food crisis and a worldwide economic depression.

Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, Ministers Athauda Senevirathna, Dinesh Gunawardena, Gamini Lokuge, Bandula Gunawardena, Chandrasiri Gajadeera, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Public Administration Ministry Secretary D. Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral, representatives of 50 Trade Unions and officials of the Salaries Commission participated at this meeting.