ECONOMYNEXT – Ahead of both presidential and parliamentary election in 2024, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe suggested to raise minimum wage of plantation workers to 1,700 rupees as requested by them.
“President Ranil Wickremesinghe advised the leaders of plantation companies to engage in a collective agreement concerning the wage hike for plantation workers, aiming for a minimum of Rs. 1700, as per their request,” the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
“Alternatively, they were urged to reach a consensus on the increased wage amount before December 31st.”
The President has said both the presidential and parliament polls will be held next year amid an uncertainty of Wickremesinghe returning to power.
The island nation plantation sector accounts for a significant vote in the up country and their support is seen as crucial to win national elections.
The minimum wage was increased to 1,000 rupees in October 2021, but plantation workers have complained that it was insufficient due to the high cost of living after Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic crisis.
The guidance on the wage hike was given by the president when he met
with the heads of plantation companies.
“The conversation also delved into the program designed to grant land rights to plantation workers. President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his intention to establish committees for future work, proposing one committee to address the housing needs of plantation workers and another to represent the interests of both workers and plantation companies.”
Source : Economy Next