President announces sharp daily wage hike for plantation workers 

• Reveals 70% increase in daily wage for plantation workers to Rs. 1,700 during CWE May Day rally in Kotagala
• Says wage hike was made through gazette issued on Tuesday night
• Plantation workers will receive Rs. 1,350 as basic wage plus Rs. 350 as a daily special allowance, totalling Rs. 1,700; Rs. 80 kg for extra tea leaves plucked as per new gazette
• Objections to proposed determination can be submitted in writing till 15 May 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday announced a sharp hike of 70% in the daily wage for plantation workers to Rs. 1,700 during the May Day rally of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) in Kotagala. 

He acknowledged the profound impact of the economic crisis on plantation workers and noted a significant rise in their daily wage was made through a gazette issued on Tuesday night.

“We have all endured a challenging period, particularly those in the plantation community who bore the brunt of the hardships. However, despite the adversities, their contribution to the economy through tea harvesting has been invaluable. The foreign exchange earned from tea exports in both 2022 and 2023 has significantly boosted our economy, for which I extend my heartfelt gratitude as the President,” he said.

He acknowledged that the Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara has increased the daily wage for plantation workers on Tuesday night through a gazette notification.

At present, plantation workers receive Rs. 1,000 basic wage plus EPF/ETF and after plucking the set target of 20 kg and are paid an additional Rs. 40 a kilo.

According to Gazette Extraordinary No. 2381/35 issued on 25 April 2024, the daily wage stands at Rs. 1,350, with an additional daily special allowance of Rs. 350, reflecting in a total of Rs. 1,700 whilst an extra Rs. 80 is provided for each additional kilo.

This increase in wages is applicable for the workers employed in the tea growing and manufacturing industry as well as for the workers employed in the rubber growing and raw rubber processing industries. Objections to the proposed determination will be received by me until 12.00 noon on 15th May 2024.

Every such objection must be made in writing and must contain a statement of grounds upon which such objection is made. Commissioner General of Labour  H.K.K.A. Jayasundara noted in the gazette that any objection must be made before 12:00 noon on 15 May and must be submitted in writing and include a statement outlining the grounds for objection.

“I believe nobody desires to return to 2022. We have endured significant hardship, but now we have somewhat stabilised. The rupee has strengthened.As a Government, we have consistently prioritised the welfare of plantation workers,” Wickremesinghe affirmed, highlighting his commitment to safeguarding their rights and addressing their challenges.

In collaboration with Prime Minister and Minister Jeevan Thondaman, Wickremesinghe revealed plans to legally designate ‘line rooms’ as villages, granting plantation communities access to essential facilities enjoyed by rural villages.

Education for children in plantation communities emerged as a key focus, with initiatives to recruit teachers specialising in science subjects and establish laboratory facilities in schools. “Efforts are also underway to address teacher shortages and enhance vocational education opportunities within the plantation sector,” the President added.

Wickremesinghe highlighted broader economic measures, including a salary increase for Government employees, enhancements to the ‘Aswesuma’ scheme, and wage hikes in the private sector.