The President’s Media Division has clarified that reports suggesting the Cabinet has not approved the salary increase for public sector employees, set to be implemented in 2025, are false. Approval was already granted.
On May 27, 2024, under Cabinet Decision No. 24/Misc. (020), a study was launched to address salary disparities among public sector groups. A special committee was appointed to analyze salaries, wages, and allowances across all public sector divisions, with adjustments to be included in the 2025 budget proposals.
The expert committee consulted 81 major trade unions and government officials and gathered further data from 391 unions, organizations, institutions, and individuals. An interim report was prepared, considering fiscal constraints and challenges faced by public sector employees. The report recommends revising salary structures and proposes measures to manage government spending effectively, enhance revenue generation, and implement salary revisions.
On August 12, 2024, Cabinet Paper No. 24/1609/601/097, titled “Interim Report of the Expert Committee Appointed to Address Salary Disparities in the Public Sector,” was presented by the President and the Minister of Finance. Following Cabinet review, policy approval was granted for the recommendations in Sections 3.1 to 3.18, which have been included in the 2025 budget.
Key adjustments for 2025 include:
- A monthly cost-of-living allowance of LKR 25,000, revisable every three years.
- A 24% increase in the minimum starting monthly salary to a range of 50%–60%, with a total gross salary of LKR 55,000, including allowances.
- Revised salaries for all positions, excluding state-owned enterprises and banks.
- Pensioners retired before 2020 will receive due increments, with pensions adjusted to eliminate disparities. From January 2025, pensioners will also receive a cost-of-living allowance at 50% of that provided to active employees.
The final report, submitted on September 3, 2024, covers public sector classification, allowances, pension disparities, and fiscal measures, with policy approval for implementation from January 1, 2025.
The public is urged to verify information before sharing and ensure accuracy when communicating sensitive updates.
