The phased rollout of the government employees' salary increment, as outlined in the Budget 2024, has commenced with the disbursement of funds for the initial Rs. 5,000 raise, effective January, according to Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.
Addressing the press, Minister Siyambalapitiya disclosed that the first installment, allocated for teachers' salaries, has already been released by the Treasury. The President, recognizing the financial challenges faced by 1.4 million government employees, took special interest in ameliorating their situation by approving the salary increase.
Originally scheduled for implementation in April, the government, responding to a compelling request from the President, is undertaking innovative financial management to expedite the salary hike. The disbursement of funds, initially earmarked for the education sector, has now extended to cover security, health, and other essential services.
Minister Siyambalapitiya emphasized that all government employees, totaling 1.4 million, will receive a Rs. 10,000 increment, with the first tranche of Rs. 5,000 allowance already in effect from January. This move aims to provide timely relief and address the immediate financial concerns of the public sector workforce.
