Govt. assures revised public sector salaries from April

Thursday, 27 March 2025 04:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says salary departments working for timely disbursement by 10 April
States Rs. 110 b allocated for public sector wages, with additional Rs. 300 b planned over 18 months
Cabinet nod for Public Administration Ministry to issue instructions for Ministries and local bodies; Finance Ministry to guide State corporations and public institutions
Opines salary increases aim to attract top talent and improve public sector efficiency
Asserts Govt. adapting public sector to modern needs rather than maintaining traditional structure

By Charumini de Silva

The Government yesterday expressed confidence in implementing the revised public sector salaries as per the 2025 Budget.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that with 15 days remaining, salary departments across State organisations are working diligently to ensure timely disbursement by 10 April.

“We are confident that the timeline for the April payroll can be met,” he added.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the implementation of revised salaries for State employees, as proposed in the 2025 Budget, from 1 April.

“The Budget was passed on 21 March, while the Cabinet approved the salary revisions on 24 March and the following day, a circular was issued to facilitate the changes in time for the April payroll. The Budget allocated Rs. 110 billion for public sector wages and an additional Rs. 300 billion planned over the next 18 months,” he explained. To facilitate this process, the Cabinet has empowered the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Governments Ministry Secretary to issue circular instructions to all Ministries, Local Government bodies, and Department Heads regarding the salary revisions, whilst also empowering the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry Secretary to issue guidelines for State corporations, statutory boards, fully State-owned enterprises, and other public institutions. The Cabinet Spokesman emphasised that these salary increases are aimed at revitalising the public sector by attracting top talent and enhancing efficiency.

“We want to revive the public sector so that it can effectively deliver services that the private sector does not cover,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

However, he also noted that the Government is not maintaining the public sector in its traditional form from five to six decades past, but is instead adapting it to modern needs and efficiencies.

The proposal, presented by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as Finance Minister alongside Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.

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