Non-executive government employees who reported for duty on July 8 and 9, 2024, will receive a special salary increment as a token of appreciation for their dedication during a challenging economic period. This increment was approved by the Cabinet following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.
Accordingly, the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has been directed to inform all Ministry Secretaries, Department Heads, and Provincial Chief Secretaries and to issue the relevant circulars.
Certain trade unions in non-executive services had planned actions such as sick leave and strikes on these dates. Despite previous economic instability, the government managed to stabilize the situation through extensive economic reforms implemented over the last two years, including the provision of a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 to all public servants.
The Treasury Secretary highlighted the existing financial constraints, stating that further salary or allowance increases would not be feasible without imposing additional tax burdens on the public. The government remains committed to avoiding decisions that could worsen the financial strain on citizens already facing economic challenges.
Nonetheless, the government acknowledges its responsibility to recognize and reward non-executive officials who fulfilled their duties without resorting to disruptive measures during this critical period.
Over 200 public sector trade unions affiliated with the State and Provincial Public Service Unions Collective launched a trade union action to report ‘sick leave’ on July 8 and 9, demanding an allowance of Rs. 25,000 for all public sector employees, similar to that given to executive officers. As a result, government officials across several sectors did not show up for work, leading to significant disruptions in the daily operations of institutions including the Department of Registration of Persons and the Immigration Department.
In support of this action, postal workers began a strike on July 7. The co-convener of the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front, Chinthaka Bandara, mentioned that their strike will continue until midnight on July 9. Meanwhile, the teacher-principal trade unions also decided to report ‘sick’ on July 9.
