News Today: Rs.1,750 daily wage increase for plantation workers in Sri Lanka 2025 announced by President Dissanayake

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the long-awaited demand of Sri Lanka’s plantation workers for a Rs.1,750 daily wage will be fulfilled before the end of this year. The decision marks a historic step toward improving the livelihoods of thousands of estate workers who have been the backbone of the country’s plantation industry for over two centuries.

Speaking at a special ceremony held at the Bandarawela Public Grounds, the President made this announcement during an event organized to distribute housing ownership deeds to the Malayagam community. He emphasized that the government is committed to upholding both the economic and social rights of the plantation community, recognizing their invaluable contribution to Sri Lanka’s national economy.

President Dissanayake stated that plantation workers have strengthened the economy through nearly 202 years of hard labour, especially in the tea, rubber, and coconut sectors. He added that the government’s new wage policy would not only uplift workers’ living standards but also promote fair labor practices and ensure economic justice within the plantation sector.

The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance social welfare, improve housing, and provide sustainable economic opportunities for plantation families. The move has been widely welcomed by trade unions and labor rights organizations, who have long campaigned for fair compensation and better working conditions in the estate sector.

By ensuring the Rs.1,750 daily wage, the government aims to bridge income disparities, empower rural communities, and create a more equitable foundation for Sri Lanka’s plantation economy.