Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged in discussions with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU) today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that strikes by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, particularly when the government has implemented the highest salary increase in history—without any demands or pressure from trade unions.
Despite operating within an economy constrained by government expenditure, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that his administration has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance public service efficiency, attract skilled professionals, and strengthen the sector.
The budget has introduced salary increases under six key categories: a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, higher overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary adjustments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary starting this year, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.
Officials from PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, acknowledging that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also highlighted the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested immediate solutions to address these issues.
The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of the Western Province, Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, along with several PSUNU officials.
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