Sri Lanka has been ranked 120th out of 130 countries in the latest comparative world minimum wage report released by Visual Capitalist based on International Labour Organization (ILO) data. 

The report shows that the purchasing power of Sri Lanka’s monthly minimum wage stands at just USD 200, placing the country among the lowest globally.

In Asia, South Korea recorded the highest minimum wage at USD 2,362, securing 11th place worldwide, while Japan followed at 16th place with USD 1,839. 

Among South Asian nations, Sri Lanka was positioned lowest, with Pakistan ranked 68th (USD 570), Nepal 78th (USD 490), Bangladesh 89th (USD 379), and India 111th (USD 233).

Globally, Switzerland topped the list with a purchasing power equivalent of USD 3,804 per month. 

Other countries in the top ten included Germany (USD 2,928), the United Kingdom (USD 2,902), the Netherlands (USD 2,876), Australia (USD 2,819), Belgium (USD 2,752), Iceland (USD 2,730), New Zealand (USD 2,673), France (USD 2,465) and Ireland (USD 2,433).

Only ten countries ranked below Sri Lanka in the index: Niger, Bhutan, Haiti, Guinea, the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Guinea‑Bissau and Gambia, which recorded the lowest figure at USD 67.

The report emphasized that these values are calculated based on domestic purchasing power parity rather than direct US dollar income, and that taxes or additional allowances are not included in the figures.

Report : https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-minimum-wages-around-the-world-adjusted-for-cost-of-living/ (Newswire)

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The Department of Labour has announced that the national minimum wage in the private sector will increase from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000, while the daily wage will rise from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,200, effective from January 1, 2026.

According to a statement issued by Commissioner General of Labour H. M. D. N. K. Wataliyadda, the wage hike is implemented under the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act.

As per the provisions of the Employees’ National Minimum Wage Amendment Act No. 11 of 2025, employers are required to pay the relevant wages.

The statement further notes that in implementing the amendment properly, every employer, including both the immediate employer and the final employer, will be bound by the Act’s provisions in respect of any worker employed in an industry or service through an intermediary or contractor.

According to Section 4 of the amended Act, apart from budgetary relief allowances, no other allowance received by a worker as of 31 March 2025 should be counted towards the minimum wage.

With this wage increase, employers are responsible for ensuring that all statutory payments, such as contributions to employee benefit funds, employer liability funds, overtime, bonuses, maternity benefits, and holiday payments, are calculated accordingly.

The statement also adds that if employers fail to make proper payments, complaints can be lodged through the Labour Department’s complaint management system or submitted in writing to the nearest labour office. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Labour has announced plans to amend existing legislation to raise the monthly minimum wage for private sector employees to Rs. 27,000.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena confirmed the move in a Facebook post, stating that the amendments will be submitted to Parliament in May following Cabinet approval.

Currently, the minimum wage stands at Rs. 21,000.

According to Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa, the increase aligns with this year’s budget proposal, with a further rise to Rs. 35,000 planned for next year. (Newswire)

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