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Claims of no Cabinet approval for public sector pay hike, false – PMD

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The President’s Media Division states that reports claiming that Cabinet approval has not been granted for the public sector salary increase from 2025, are false.

The PMD statement further notes :

On May 27, 2024, under Cabinet Decision No. 24/Misc. (020), a study was initiated to address salary disparities among different public sector groups. A special committee was appointed to analyse salaries, wages, and other allowances across all public sector divisions to make necessary adjustments, which would then be included in the 2025 budget proposals. The expert committee has held discussions with 81 major trade unions and government officials in the public sector. Following these discussions and an analysis of the relevant information, an interim report has been prepared.

In this context, Mr. Udaya R. Senewiratne, the Chairman of the expert Committee clarified that while preparing this report, additional information was gathered from 391 trade unions, organizations, institutions, and individuals.

The interim report takes into account the existing fiscal constraints and challenges faced by public sector employees. It includes recommendations for revising the existing salary structures, along with measures to manage government spending more effectively. The report also proposes a policy framework that includes strategies for reducing government expenses and enhancing revenue generation, while implementing salary revisions based on established standards and benchmarks.

Accordingly, the Cabinet Paper No. 24/1609/601/097, titled “Interim Report of the Expert Committee Appointed to Address Salary Disparities in the Public Sector,” was communicated by the President and the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies on August 12, 2024.

Following a review and discussion of this interim report by the Cabinet, policy approval has been granted for the implementation of the recommendations specified in Sections 3.1 to 3.18 of the report. Additionally, these recommendations have been incorporated into the 2025 budget and approved for implementation.

For the year 2025, the following adjustments will be implemented for all government employees:

  • A monthly cost-of-living allowance of LKR 25,000 will be provided, subject to revision every three years.
  • The minimum starting monthly salary in the public sector will increase by 24% to a range of 50%–60%, with a total gross salary of LKR 55,000 including the cost-of-living allowance. Salaries for all other positions will be adjusted accordingly.
  • This new salary and allowance scheme will apply to all government institutions except for state-owned enterprises and banks.
  • Government pensioners who retired before 2020 will receive the salary increments to which they are entitled, with their pensions adjusted to eliminate existing disparities.
  • Starting from January 2025, pensioners will receive a cost-of-living allowance equivalent to 50% of the allowance provided to active government employees.

The Cabinet has authorized the gradual implementation of this salary structure, taking fiscal constraints into consideration, starting on January 1, 2025.

The expert committee submitted their final report to the President on September 3, 2024. This report, including recommendations numbered 01 to 08, addresses various aspects such as public sector classification, employee allowances, pension disparities, and recommendations regarding allowances and levies. The report has received policy approval for implementation starting January 1, 2025, and the recommendations have been included in the 2025 budget proposals.

Therefore, when disseminating such sensitive information, it is essential to avoid spreading misleading news and instead focus on verifying and communicating accurate details to the public.

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Showers expected part of the island

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Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (June 26), the Department of Meteorology said.

Fairly heavy rains of about 50 mm are likely at some places.

A few showers may occur in the Anuradhapura and Matale districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or night.

Meanwhile, fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

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NTC approves 2.5% reduction in bus fares (Update)

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has approved a 2.5% reduction in bus fares effective from July 01 in line with the annual bus fare revision.

During a discussion between Transport Ministry officials and representatives of private bus associations, the government’s proposal to reduce bus fares by 2% was met by objections raised by bus operators.


(Previous News on 25th June 2025 at 4:51pm)

Bus associations oppose proposal of 2% fare reduction

The government’s proposal to reduce bus fares by a 2% effective from July 01 has led to the strong disapproval of bus associations, reports say.

It was also proposed not to revise the fares of the first two stages.

The announcement was made during a meeting between officials of the Transport Ministry and representatives of private bus associations to discuss the annual bus fare revision, scheduled for July 01.

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2025 A/L exam dates announced

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The Department of Examinations has confirmed that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be held from Nov. 10 – Dec. 05, 2025, 

Accordingly, applications for the 2025 G.C.E. A/L exam will be accepted online from June 26 to July 21, 2025.

It is further stated that students of government schools and government-approved private schools must submit their applications through their respective school principals, while private candidates are required to submit their applications themselves.

A statement by the Department of Examinations noted that private applicants must use their National Identity Card (NIC) number when applying for the examination.

Applicants are advised to visit the official website of the Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka, www.doenets.lk or www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic, to carefully read the relevant instructions and submit their applications accordingly. After submitting the application, candidates are urged to keep a printed copy with them in case of an emergency.

The username and password required by school applicants to submit their applications have already been provided to the respective school principals.

Applications will not be accepted after 12.00 midnight on July 21, 2025. It is also emphasized that the closing date will not be extended under any circumstances, the statement added.

For further inquiries, applicants are advised to contact the Department of Examinations via the following telephone numbers or email : Tel: 011-2784208, 011-2784537, 011-2785922 / Hotline: 1911 / Email: [email protected]

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