The Cabinet of Ministers has approved measures to implement the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2025, which was passed by Parliament on July 22, 2025, in line with the 2025 Budget proposal to increase salaries in both the public and private sectors.
Under the new legislation, the national monthly minimum wage for private-sector employees will rise from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000 with effect from April 1, 2025, and further increase to Rs. 30,000 from January 1, 2026.
The wage increase will apply to all statutory payments, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), overtime, probationary pay, maternity benefits, and holiday payments. Employers in all industries, including those who employ workers through intermediaries or contractors, are legally obligated to comply with the new wage provisions.
The Commissioner General of Labour has been authorized to oversee the implementation of the Act, and steps have already been taken to notify relevant parties through public announcements and newspaper advertisements.
The Minister of Labour informed the Cabinet of the progress made in this regard, and the Cabinet has granted approval to take all necessary measures to ensure the effective and proper implementation of the new wage regulations.
