Seven plantation companies have agreed to the government’s decision to provide a daily wage of Rs. 1,700 to plantation workers, according to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He mentioned that as the current Labor Minister, he plans to convene the Wages Board on Monday to discuss this matter further. The President also stated that special laws might be introduced if needed to enforce this decision. Additionally, workers’ welfare funds, which have been neglected for many years, will begin to be paid starting next year.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the Kandy District Plantation Labour Unions and Youth Leaders meeting, organized by the Ceylon Workers’ Congress at the KARALIYA Convention Centre and Center for Performing Arts in Kandy. He addressed the issues faced by the Tamil community in the hill country and responded positively to their concerns.
New Salary Adjustment to Be Enforced by Law
The President explained that the country has faced severe hardships over the past two years, but the economy has now stabilized. Although not all economic issues have been resolved, significant relief has been provided to the people, making their burdens lighter compared to 2022. This progress was made possible through an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with successful negotiations with creditor countries, extending the repayment period until 2042. The President emphasized the importance of continuing this program to avoid returning to previous economic difficulties.
By 2048, the President aims for rapid development, similar to India’s progress. He stressed the need for leaders who will guide the country forward and focus on the welfare of the people rather than personal interests. President Wickremesinghe also pledged to start paying workers’ welfare funds from next year, as the economy recovers and the government is now able to support this.
Employee Provident Fund for Plantation Workers to Be Introduced Next Year
The President acknowledged the significant hardships faced by plantation workers in recent years, noting that while other workers received salary increases, relief had not yet reached plantation workers. Seven plantation companies have agreed to the government’s decision to set a daily wage of Rs. 1,700 for these workers. The Wages Board will meet next Monday to discuss the matter further, and special laws may be enacted if necessary.
Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman, stated that during his first year in office, Rs. 160 million was allocated for estate infrastructure in the Kandy district, an unprecedented amount. Plans are also in place to establish Thondaman Vocational Training Centers in Kandy and Badulla, with support from the Indian government. Minister Thondaman expressed support for the government’s efforts to increase plantation workers’ wages and highlighted the importance of President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in addressing the needs of the estate community.
State Minister for Plantation Industries and Mahaweli Development, Lohan Ratwatte, praised President Wickremesinghe for prioritizing the land and salary issues faced by the estate community. He urged people to support the President in the upcoming election, emphasizing that the actions taken were not motivated by election goals but by a genuine desire to help the people.
Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara highlighted the President’s efforts to benefit estate workers over the past two years, particularly in improving their land rights and daily allowances. He noted that during the economic crisis, plantation workers played a crucial role in sustaining the country’s export income by continuing to harvest tea. The President’s Committee on Land Issues and Wage Increases has been active in addressing the needs of plantation workers.
Despite challenges, the Wages Board will reconvene to discuss a new proposal to set the daily allowance at Rs. 1,350 with a production allowance of Rs. 350. Nanayakkara criticized opposition leaders for attempting to use the situation for political gain and reaffirmed his support for President Wickremesinghe, predicting victory in the upcoming election.
