News

Public servants’ salaries to increase by 24% – 50% from Jan. 2025

Published

8 months ago

September 2, 2024

editor

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of the recommendations from the Presidential Expert Committee, chaired by Udaya R. Seneviratne, appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to investigate and address salary discrepancies in the government sector.

Accordingly, commencing January 1, 2025, the basic salary for public service will be increased by at least 24% for the lowest ranks, with increases ranging from 24% to over 50% for all public service professionals.

Specifically, the salary for the Grade III Office Employees’ Service will be increased by Rs.5, 450, the Grade II by Rs.8,760, the Grade I by Rs.10, 950, and the special grade by Rs.13, 980.

The salary for Grade III Drivers’ Service will be increased by Rs.6, 960, the Grade II by Rs.9, 990, the Grade I by Rs.13, 020, and the special grade by Rs.16, 340.

The salary for the Grade III Samurdhi Development Officers will be increased by Rs.8, 340, the Grade II by Rs.11, 690, and the Grade I by Rs.15, 685.

The salary for the Grade III Management Service Officer/Management Assistants will be increased by Rs.10, 140, the Grade II by Rs.13, 490, and the Grade I by Rs.17, 550.

The salary for the Grade III Development Officers will be increased by Rs.12, 710, the Grade II by Rs.17, 820, and the Grade I by Rs.25, 150.

The salary for the Public Health Inspector and Public Health Midwives- Grade III will be increased by Rs.12, 885, the Grade II by Rs.17, 945, and the Grade I by Rs.25, 275.

The salary for the Grade III Pharmacists’ and Radiographers’ services will be increased by Rs.13, 280, the Grade II by Rs.18, 310, and the Grade I by Rs.25, 720.

The salary for the Grade III Nursing Officers will be increased by Rs.13, 725, the Grade II by Rs.18, 835, and the Grade I by Rs.26, 165.

The salary for the Grade III Principal’s Service will be increased by Rs.23, 425, the Grade II by Rs.29, 935 and the Grade I by Rs.39, 595.

National College of Education teachers in the Teaching Service will receive a salary increase of Rs.17, 480 rupees. A salary increase of Rs.19, 055 has been proposed for graduate teachers, Rs.20, 425 for the Grade II, and Rs.38, 020 for the Grade I.

A Police Constable will receive a salary increase of Rs.10, 704. The salary increase for a Police Sergeant is Rs.13, 210. The salary of a Sub-Inspector will be increased by Rs.14, 050, the salary of an Inspector of Police will increase by Rs.18, 290, and the salary of a Chief Inspector will increase by Rs.23, 685.

The salary for the Grade III of the Grama Niladhari will be increased by Rs.11, 340, the Grade II by Rs. 14, 690, and the Grade I by Rs.18, 750. The salary of an Administrative GN officer will increase by Rs.23, 575.

The salary for Assistant Secretary, Assistant Director, Accountant, Assistant Divisional Secretary, and Assistant Commissioner will increase by Rs.28, 885. The starting salary for Deputy Director and Deputy Commissioner will increase by Rs43, 865. The salary for the posts of Divisional Secretary, Director, Commissioner, and Senior Assistant Secretary will increase by Rs.57, 545.

The salary for Grade III doctors will increase by Rs.35, 560. The salary of the Grade II doctors will increase by Rs.39, 575. The salary of the Grade I doctors will increase by Rs.53, 075, and the salary of Additional Secretary and Specialist Doctor will increase by Rs.70, 200.

Additionally, it has been recommended to double all salary increment values for government employees every year. Arrangements have also been made to implement these salary increases for public corporations, boards and statutory bodies, universities, and the armed forces from January 1, 2025.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Chamari Athapaththu fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has been fined 10 percent of her match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The incident took place during the final group stage game of the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka, with the hosts facing South Africa in Colombo. The Proteas emerged victorious in a high-scoring fixture.

Athapaththu was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Athapaththu’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.

The said incident occurred in the 32nd over of South Africa’s innings, when after being hit for a four by Annerie Dercksen, Athapaththu took off her sunglasses and smashed them to the ground, breaking them into several pieces.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Nimali Perera.

There was no need of a hearing as Athapaththu admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Michelle Pereira of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

The tri-series was eventually won by India, who defeated Sri Lanka, the tournament hosts in the final by 97 runs.

(ICC)

News

4-hour strike at Colombo port causes Rs. 300 mn. loss

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A four-hour strike by employees at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port last night has resulted in an estimated loss of at least Rs. 300 million, a senior official of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said.

He said the strike, which began at 8:00 p.m. yesterday and continued till midnight, was triggered by a controversial decision by the Ports Authority to cut incentive allowances paid to essential employees who worked on April 12 and 13, dates that coincided with the Vesak Poya holidays.

The workers resumed duties at around 12:30 a.m. today after the SLPA administration reissued a letter assuring that overtime allowances will be paid according to the previous system.

At the time the strike began, six cargo ships were anchored at the affected terminals, and all operations were brought to a complete halt, the official said.

The dispute stems from a decision by a senior SLPA official to limit the overtime allowances for work done on the Poya day (April 12) to Rs. 10,000 and the following day (April 13) to Rs. 5,000. This move broke with long-standing practices regarding holiday compensation for essential workers.

The Ports Authority official further alleged that the decisions were taken unilaterally by a senior administrator who has previously been criticised for making media statements regarding workers’ salaries.

The temporary halt in port operations has sparked renewed concerns over the administration’s handling of labour

relations and the broader financial impact of such disruptions on the national economy.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

13 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.