Officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have been called to attend the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday (March 05) to address concerns regarding the recent salary hike for its employees. The decision to increase salaries by 70% without prior notice has sparked criticism from members of both the ruling party and the opposition, prompting parliamentary scrutiny.
Media reports brought attention to the salary increment, prompting the summoning of CBSL officials to explain the process and reasoning behind the contentious move. The lack of communication with relevant stakeholders has raised questions about transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, in a written request to the President, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, sought an opportunity to brief Members of Parliament through an appropriate Parliamentary Committee about the salary increment. The request emphasized the adherence to the triennial Collective Agreement with Trade Unions covering the period 2024 – 2026, which purportedly sanctioned the salary revision.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe, reacting to the situation, recommended that CBSL officials be summoned before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) to provide clarifications on the matter. In response to these developments, relevant CBSL officials are expected to attend not only the Cabinet meeting but also the party leaders’ meeting and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) scheduled for tomorrow (05).
The controversy surrounding the salary hike underscores the need for transparency and accountability in financial decisions made by key institutions, with parliamentary oversight playing a crucial role in ensuring responsible governance.
