Cabinet nod to increase private sector minimum wages

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

New structure will take effect in two stages—1 April 2025 and 1 January 2026

By Charumini de Silva

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the revision of the national minimum monthly and daily wage structure for private sector employees.

The new wage structure will take effect in two stages, beginning from 1 April 2025 while the second stage revision will begin on 1 January 2026.

“The national minimum monthly wage will increase by Rs. 9,500 rising from the current Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000. This will further increase by Rs. 3,000 from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000 with effect from 1 January 2026,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He also said in parallel, the minimum daily wage for the private sector will see an increase of Rs. 380 from 1 April 2025, moving from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,080. “This too will be revised again from 1 January 2026, with the daily wage set to rise by an additional Rs. 120 reaching Rs. 1,200,” he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said the Government approved a significant revision to the national minimum wage structure for private sector employees, in line with the 2025 Budget proposals to increase public sector salaries to ensure income parity across both public and private sectors.

The proposal, submitted by Labour Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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