The people of Sri Lanka have strong faith in their new president and the government. The task of fulfilling the promises made during the presidential election has been entrusted to the new president, and achieving these goals poses a significant challenge.
Recognising this, the president has stated his intention to address these goals in a populist manner. One of the primary concerns is providing relief to the people. There is an ongoing serious discussion in society regarding how to meet these promises, especially given the current economic difficulties.
The promise of increasing the salaries of public and private sector employees
According to the promises made by the President, the most significant commitment is to increase the salaries of both public and private sector employees. Government workers are eagerly anticipating a wage increase. Public servants can be seen as a group that played a crucial role in supporting the current president’s rise to power. This issue is being seriously discussed in society, especially as preparations are underway for an upcoming parliamentary election.
Prime Minister Harini’s response
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on the 29th that the current Prime Minister, Professor Harini Amarasuriya, makes political statements without a proper understanding of the issues. This comment came in response to her statement made on October 27, where she expressed concerns about the inability to pay public servants’ salaries. Wickremesinghe pointed out that the current government has not even been able to provide the promised salary increases.
Harini Amarasuriya stated that the claims made by Ranil Wickramasinghe regarding increased salaries for government employees were false promises made during the elections. The Prime Minister pointed out that while Wickramasinghe claims a decision was made to raise these salaries, there was no discussion on the matter in the cabinet at that time.
She mentioned that, in relation to the decisions made during the relevant cabinet discussion, no decision has been reached, and no approval has been granted by the Treasury or on its behalf. According to her, this can be seen as a false promise made by the former president to secure votes during the presidential election.
Former President Ranil’s response
In response to Harini Amarasuriya’s statement, former President Ranil Wickramasinghe highlighted that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya believes the cabinet does not need to consult officials to take action.
He asks her where she learnt about the Constitution. According to Article 43, the Council of Ministers has the authority to direct the governance of the Republic, and the former president emphasises that the Council of Ministers is responsible for governing the country.
The former president emphasised his willingness to teach the Prime Minister about the constitution if she is interested in learning. Ranil Wickramasinghe also highlighted that the current government lacks a clear understanding of governance. He reiterated the importance of sending experienced politicians to Parliament during the upcoming elections.
Ranil Wickramasinghe stated that appointing former provincial council members as ministers and assigning ministerial duties to officers is problematic, emphasising that a country cannot be governed by inexperienced individuals.
This debate is intensifying daily
The situation is escalating into a serious political debate in Sri Lanka. This heated discussion began when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya responded to the former president during a public meeting held in Thalawathugoda on the 30th of last month.
“Ranil Wickramasinghe has stated that he doesn’t know much about the constitution. Therefore, if you want to learn about it, he can provide some insights. Should I go and learn from him about the constitution? I’m not sure; I might end up losing the next election. He has been rejected 17 times and still continues on. Ranil Wickramasinghe says that the biggest joke is that he can explain the constitution.”
The constitution essentially states that the people hold sovereign power. I find it hard to believe that Ranil does not understand this. An individual who truly comprehends the constitution would not delay elections. A person who respects the constitution would not disregard the decisions of the Constituent Assembly. He claims that he does not need to seek advice from officials if he is following the constitution. This is his approach.
No one believes that we should govern the country according to our desires without considering the insights of knowledgeable individuals. We are leading in a different cultural context. We refuse to take advice from Ranil. Why should we listen to someone who has rejected the people of this country 17 times? That was the response given by the Prime Minister.
Punishment for people who misused money
In the meantime, the current government emphasises that the courts will take action against individuals who have misused public funds. The president has consistently stated that legal measures will be pursued against anyone involved in the misappropriation of public money and the central bank robbery.
Furthermore, the new government highlights the importance of obtaining parliamentary approval for decisions, including salary increases for public employees. The president does not have the authority to unilaterally implement such individual decisions.
The government also stresses that no additional powers have been granted to the president. Both the president and the prime minister have noted that their mandate requires that all responsibilities be carried out within the framework of the law and democratic processes.
The previous government’s decisions on salary increase
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised during a news conference on the 29th of last month that the former president, who also held the position of finance minister, had submitted a proposal to the cabinet. However, he pointed out that the finance ministry lacked sufficient funds to implement any salary increases. The minister expressed that, based on his forty years of experience in parliament, the former president made a significant mistake in this decision.
During Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency, a press release from the Presidential Media Division on September 2 announced that starting in January 2025, the basic salary of public servants will be increased by a minimum of 24% to 50%. Udaya R. Senevirathna, appointed by President Wickremesinghe, has been tasked with investigating and addressing the salary disparities among public servants.
The press release also stated that the Cabinet has approved the implementation of the recommendations made by the Presidential Expert Committee, which is chaired by Senaviratne. This salary increase will apply to all positions, from office assistants to the highest-ranking officials.
The regulation presented by the Ministry of Finance that VAT will have to be increased
Udaya R. Senevirathna reported that the expert committee tasked with restructuring public sector salaries and allowances, which he chairs, had its cabinet paper for increasing public servant salaries approved on August 22, 2024.
Following this, the committee presented its final report to the President, which included recommendations for raising salaries and allowances. This approval also received the endorsement of the Treasury and the Council of Ministers, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The announcement was made by the Presidential Media Division, as stated by Chairman Udaya R. Senevirathna.
On September 4, 2024, an announcement was made, signed by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating that funds would be allocated from the budget for the year 2025 to increase the salaries of public servants.
During a discussion with President Wickremesinghe in September 2024, Mahinda Siriwardena, the then Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury, mentioned that raising public servants’ salaries by 10,000 rupees would require Rs. 140 billion. He also indicated that to generate this amount, the Value Added Tax (VAT) would need to be increased by 3%.
