Increase public sector salaries by Rs.5,000 – SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday demanded an increase in public sector salaries by at least Rs 5,000 from the upcoming Budget since the Cost of Living has increased sharply.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, former Minister P. Harrison (SJB) said the Government should propose a Rs. 5,000 salary hike for both public and private sector workers from the Budget 2022.

“The Cost of Living has been skyrocketing and people cannot afford their basic needs. The farmers are already facing difficulties and the people in urban areas will also feel the same in a few months’ time. We know that the Government is facing financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the people must also live,” he commented.He requested the Government to shift to a mix of organic and chemical fertilizer for the Maha Season. “Chemical fertilizer has already been allowed for tea and rubber and if the same is not allowed for paddy, then paddy farmers will be heavily inconvenienced,” he said.