Cabinet Ministers, MPs to donate August salaries to fight COVID-19

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday approved a proposal to donate their August salaries to the COVID-19 fund.

“The decision was taken to help the country fight against COVID-19. The proposal to this effect was submitted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage revealed.

Last Friday, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians also decided to donate their August salary to the well-being of COVID-19 patients and to supply oxygen to hospitals. 

The decision by SLFP – first of its kind by a political party – was made at its Central Committee meeting, held via Zoom and headed by former President and SLFP Chairman Maithripala Sirisena on 20 August.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarians have also offered to donate their August salaries to buy medical equipment needed to treat COVID-19 patients.

“The decision was taken following a discussion held on Sunday night,” SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.

Last week Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga had suggested to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in writing that slash salaries be slashed in order to support those who rely on daily wages. 

In addition, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, S. M. Chandrasena, and State Minister Sisira Jayakody had earlier stated that they would donate their August salaries to the COVID-19 fund.

The Government declared a 10-day countrywide lockdown last Friday, as a COVID-19 containment measure.