The National Transport Commission (NTC) has appointed 18 new timekeepers, including two women appointed to the position for the first time in its history.
The appointment letters were presented at a ceremony held under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena attended the ceremony, along with NTC Chairman P.A. Chandrapala, the director general, members of the board of directors and other officials.
Gunasena said around 2,000 applications had been received for the positions, which he said reflected an improved public perception of the government and the ministry.
Addressing the new recruits, he said the role and responsibilities of timekeepers would change over the next five years in line with the ministry’s planned reforms and digitization efforts.
The deputy minister said he had been informed that the take-home salary for the position, including overtime and other allowances, was more than Rs. 70,000.
“However, we do not believe this is sufficient for a breadwinner of a family,” Gunasena said.
He added that the government was focused on introducing salary increase packages for state workers beyond 2027, with increases to be implemented gradually. (Newswire)