Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Wednesday, 30 October 2024 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Eran Wickramaratne |
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| Dr. Harsha de Silva |
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo district candidate and economist Dr. Harsha de Silva has strongly criticised the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for failing to deliver on promises made to State sector employees.
Speaking at an SJB press conference in Colombo yesterday, Dr. de Silva argued that public sector employees who had placed their trust in the NPP’s election pledges are now facing disappointment.
He pointed out several ongoing crises, including stalled public sector wage increases, rice shortages, limited passport availability, and what he described as inconsistencies in the NPP’s policy framework.
de Silva highlighted Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s recent announcement that no funds are available to raise Government salaries, a statement he said directly contradicts the NPP’s election promise of semi-annual salary increases for public sector employees.
In contrast, Dr. de Silva explained the SJB’s economic vision, the Economic BluePrint presented by it, which proposes a base salary increase of 24% for public employees, with adjustments carefully based on financial analysis. “Our policy is not just rhetoric, it’s backed by responsible budgeting and data,” he remarked.
de Silva also noted that the previous administration had already set a two-phase salary increment in the 2025 budget, supported by a Ministry of Finance report showing the feasibility of these increases within the country’s production expenditure limits.
He criticised the NPP’s claim of budgetary constraints as unjustified, arguing that the Government has overlooked established fiscal measures intended to address the wage issue, leaving public servants bearing the brunt of these unmet commitments.
Meanwhile, addressing the press conference fellow SJB Colombo district candidate Eran Wickramaratne highlighted the Executive President’s power to implement crucial policies and questioned why necessary actions have yet to be taken.
He reiterated the SJB’s commitment to its promises, emphasising that the party has pledged a 24% salary increase for government employees. “We are a party that delivers on its promises, which is why these commitments are clearly outlined in our manifesto,” he said.
Wickramaratne also underscored the SJB’s goal of securing a governing majority. “The President has said there is no need for a strong Opposition. That is correct. We are seeking votes to form a Government, not an Opposition,” he said.
The former MP also expressed the party’s readiness to support transparent governance and emphasised their dedication to combating corruption and revitalising the economy. He also called on former Presidents to step aside. “It’s time to build a new country under fresh leadership,” he stressed.
