President denies Ranil’s State sector salary hike allocation claims

Saturday, 26 October 2024 03:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says no funds were allocated for salary increase for State employees by previous administration
Asks Wickremesinghe to stay home rather than making comments aimed at undermining current Govt.
Claims Wickremesinghe is continuing to make various false statements in an attempt to regain power

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dismissed recent claims by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding funds allegedly allocated for a public sector salary increase.

Wickremesinghe had claimed in a press conference in Colombo on Wednesday that his administration had set aside funds for a salary hike for State employees, intended to be implemented in January 2024, and urged public sector workers to press the Dissanayake administration to expedite this increase.

However, addressing a National People’s Party (NPP) rally in Puttalam on Thursday, President Dissanayake rejected Wickremesinghe’s assertions, stating, “There were no funds allocated for a salary increase for state employees by the previous administration,” he said.

He said that, having lost the election, Wickremesinghe should simply stay home rather than making comments aimed at undermining the current government. “I urge you, please don’t do this,” he added.

The President reiterated that the current administration would take up the matter of State sector wages in the upcoming Budget, emphasising the Government’s dedication to a well-planned approach to economic reforms.

Dissanayake expressed frustration over what he termed as “false statements” from Wickremesinghe, aimed at undermining the current administration. “Wickremesinghe continues to make various false statements in an attempt to regain power,” he accused, noting that such claims are part of a larger false narrative suggesting that the Government may soon collapse.

The President reassured the public of the NPP administration’s commitment to revitalising the country, outlining a long-term vision for economic development and social harmony. “We are creating an economically developed country, a clean country, a country strengthened by people’s values and the rule of law, and one where national harmony among Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims is preserved,” he asserted, promising that the NPP’s mission for a stable and united Sri Lanka will continue unwaveringly.