Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Palani Digambaram today called out some Parliamentarians for opposing the minimum daily wage hike for estate workers proposed in the Budget 2026.
Addressing the Parliament, MP Digambaram praised the government for allocating Rs. 5,000 million to address the wage issues of estate workers.
He requested the government to clarify whether the payment will be made per day or for an attendance of 25 days.
“I would like to know this, as there are some opposition factions that oppose this wage hike. MP Namal Rajapaksa and SLMC MP Nizam Kariapper oppose this move because the salaries are being paid from taxpayers’ money. They need to understand that this community has earned for the state over the last 200 years. If not for them, then who do you provide this to?” he questioned.
MP Digambaram further urged the MPs not to criticize this decision, pointing out that the governments under their parties had failed to provide a wage hike to estate workers.
“If this government can provide the wage hike, then we must appreciate it and voice our support. I thank the President for increasing the daily wage of estate workers,” he added.
It has been proposed in the Budget 2026 to increase the current minimum daily wage of Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,550 from January 2026. Furthermore, in addition to the salary of Rs. 1,550, it is proposed to pay Rs. 200 as a daily attendance incentive by the government. (Newswire)