No issue with Udaya R. Seneviratne report; issue with funds: Vijitha

By Ajith Siriwardana  

Claiming that there is no issue with the report by Udaya R.  Seneviratne on public sector salary increase, Minister Vijitha Herath  said yesterday the issue has arisen as no funds had been allocated.  

The Minister told the media in Negombo that the government would study the report submitted by the committee headed by Udaya R.  Seneviratne.  

“There is no issue with the report. The report was hastily  submitted to the Cabinet just before the Presidential Election and  promised to increase public sector salaries. However, no funds had been allocated by the Finance Ministry. No observations were taken by the Finance Ministry when presenting the cabinet paper. The previous  government gave false promise, targeting the election without allocating  funds,” he said.  

The Minister said the government will not deceive public  servants and assured that a salary increment will be provided in line  with the cost of living.  

Responding to a question, he said the government was able  to reduce fuel prices, fishing community was given a fuel subsidy,  fertilizer subsidy was increased, free pass was provided to railway  employees, MSD security was removed for VIPs and roads near the Temple  Trees was opened for the public within a month.