According to a gazette notification issued last week by Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Secretary R. P. A. Wimalaweera, the Minister has approved a wage increase for plantation sector workers.
The increase applies to both the Tea Growing and Manufacturing Trade and the Rubber Cultivation and Raw Rubber Processing Trade, effective from May 21, 2024.
“Under Section 33(1)(a) of the Ordinance and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2381/35 of April 25, 2024, the wage increase has been approved by the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. The decision shall come into force on May 21, 2024,” the notification stated.
On April 25, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara issued a gazette notification granting permission for the Commissioner of Labour to determine a minimum wage for workers in the Tea Growing and Manufacturing Trade and the Rubber Cultivation and Raw Rubber Processing Trade.
The proposed new living wage of Rs.1700 represents a 70 percent increase compared to the current living wage of Rs.1000. Objections to the proposed determination were open until noon on May 15.
