In a move to appreciate non-executive government employees who reported to duty on July 8 and 9, President Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to grant a special salary increment, the President Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.
According to the PMD, the special salary increment is a token of appreciation for the dedication of non-executive government employees during a challenging economic period. This increment was approved by the Cabinet following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal, the statement added.
The statement further noted that the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has been directed to inform all Ministry Secretaries, Department Heads, and Provincial Chief Secretaries and to issue the relevant circulars.
“Certain trade unions in non-executive services had planned actions such as sick leave and strikes on the mentioned dates. Despite previous economic instability, the government managed to stabilize the situation through extensive economic reforms implemented over the last two years, including the provision of a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 to all public servants,” it added.
The PMD noted that the Treasury Secretary highlighted the existing financial constraints, stating that further salary or allowance increases would not be feasible without imposing additional tax burdens on the public. However, the government remains committed to avoiding decisions that could worsen the financial strain on citizens already facing economic challenges, the PMD said.
“Nonetheless, the government acknowledges its responsibility to recognize and assess non-executive officials who fulfilled their duties without resorting to disruptive measures during this critical period.”
The PMD pointed out that instructions will be issued in a circular to all Ministry Secretaries, Department Heads, and Provincial Chief Secretaries by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.
However, certain non-executive government services only provide promotion for those who passed the Efficiency Bar exams and based on the length of their service. Therefore, it is unclear how the President’s decision will be implemented in those service categories.
