A special discussion was held yesterday (13) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of plantation companies regarding the proposed increase in estate workers’ daily wage.
The discussion focused on the proposal to raise the daily wages of plantation workers in line with the salary increases granted to public and private sector employees in the previous budget. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of ensuring a living wage for plantation workers and improving their living standards.
The President also discussed with the company representatives the methodology for implementing the wage increase. During the meeting, representatives of the plantation companies outlined the challenges currently faced by the plantation industry.
In response, the President explained the government’s policy to develop and strengthen the plantation sector and assured that the government would extend its fullest support in this regard.
The company representatives expressed their appreciation to the President for facilitating the discussion and shared their views and proposals on the future development of the sector.
The discussion was attended by Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour S.M. Piyatissa, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Commissioner General of Labour Nadeeka Wataliyadda and other officials, representatives representing the Planters’ Association of Ceylon, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Agarapatana & Kotagala Plantations PLC, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC, Balangoda Plantations PLC, Browns Plantations PLC, Kahawatte Plantations PLC, Kegalle Plantations PLC, Agalawatta Plantations PLC participated in this discussion. (PMD)
