News Today: Salary increase for public sector with Rs.110 billion allocation to modernize Sri Lanka’s public service

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s public sector with a major financial boost. Speaking at the 41st Annual Convention of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA) at Temple Trees, the President announced that the government has allocated Rs.110 billion for a salary increase for public sector employees in 2026.

He further stated that the same amount, Rs.110 billion, has also been earmarked for 2027, underscoring the government’s long-term dedication to improving the welfare of public sector workers. This measure, he emphasized, is not just a financial upgrade but a part of a broader plan to modernize Sri Lanka’s public service, which he described as being in a state of physical and spiritual decline.

The President highlighted that the upcoming budget will prioritize not only salary increases but also the modernization of physical facilities within government institutions. His vision is to transform the public service into a modern, citizen-focused system that delivers efficient services and restores public trust.

President Dissanayake criticized a minority of public officials who treat their responsibilities as mere transactions, prioritizing financial gain over social values. He insisted that the public service must embrace social responsibility, ethical conduct, and accountability, moving beyond circulars and statutes.

He further noted that the public sector is at a crossroads and that a collective effort is required to build a service that reflects the true needs of citizens. The President called for innovative experiments and transformative changes to restore the country’s ruined state and to create a future that citizens genuinely desire.

This landmark salary increase for the public sector not only uplifts employees’ financial stability but also paves the way for a modern and efficient state administration.