Ranil calls for Immediate salary increase for public servants

Following are the remarks he made during the meeting.   

I thought I should clarify the facts about the legality of our government increasing the salaries of public servants. The cabinet decision taken to increase the salaries of public servants, was done under Article 43 of the Constitution. We made the salary increase after considering requests received from all public servants.  

The demand for a salary increase is reasonable. By the year 2022, the value of people’s wages has decreased by fifty percent. They are facing a hard time. They have to borrow. Some people have even sold their properties. When I took over as President we were not in a position to give relief. I announced it to the country. Some asked to increase the salary by twenty thousand. I increased the wages by Rs 10,000. However Rs 10,000 is not sufficient When the value of money decreases by fifty percent, people will face problems. There are times when some children go to school without breakfast. Children in many families have stopped attending tuition classes. Good or bad they need tuition classes. I did not want these social systems to collapse. Accordingly, A committee chaired by  Udaya Seneviratne was appointed to look into the increase in government employee salaries. They were given three months to come up with a solution . However the committee came up with the report prior to three months.  

I asked the committee chairman Udaya Seneviratne about it. He agreed that since this was an issue where the people are concerned, the proposal should be implemented   
I inquired as to how much of funds were needed. Treasury Secretary said it is not possible to release funds. Treasury Secretary also informed that our budget will not be able to support this amount. I told Udaya Seneviratne to discuss the matter with the treasury secretary  

Later, they informed me that they have reached an agreement. It is possible to give fifty percent in one year and the remaining fifty in the following year., I first discussed with my secretary Saman Ekanayake and with my economic advisor Dr. Samaratunga and Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena. In the end, we came to an agreement to go ahead with the salary increase.  

Even if we increase the wages as agreed, we will not be able to cover the disadvantages brought on by decrease in the value of the currency. However it will bring some relief to public servants.   

Accordingly, I presented the cabinet paper to increase salaries. I have signed that cabinet document as the president. Accordingly, this decision does not require comments from the treasury. The cabinet can take any decision. We generally operate according to the UK Cabinet Manual. As per the manual We don’t ask for a vote. The decision will be announced by the Chairman of the Cabinet. It is mentioned in section 4:3..Article 4:7 which states that it is for the incumbent Government to determine the specific arrangements for collective decision-making.  

Sometimes we make decisions without papers. Opinions against the views of the minister in charge of the subject are obtained.  

I don’t think Minister Vijitha Herath has been in a cabinet before. The decision taken by our government to increase the salaries of public servants is completely legal.  

A ministry is an organisation which has no laws. The ministry is headed by the minister under section 52 of the constitution. The Ministry is run by the Secretary under the order of the Minister  

As the President, when I sign the relevant salary increase resolution, I am not only signing as the President but the minister of all ministries that come under the President.  

I presented this paper for salary increase as the Finance Minister. When signing the relevant paper as the President, there is no need to submit letterheads as the Ministry of Finance again. It is legal to sign as the President.  

Accordingly, the relevant government employee salary increase should be implemented. We have approved this salary increase only after due consideration. It was necessary to increase state revenue from twelve percent to thirteen percent by next year. I have accordingly approved this salary increase.  

There are funds to provide the relevant wage increase. If they say that there is no funds, it is strange. The government should explain as to what had become of the funds set aside to increase salaries   

Do not postpone this salary increase.   

If the government can’t fulfill the promise it has made, it should fulfill the promises made by us.   

My idea was to pass this salary increase in December or the first two weeks of January if I emerge victorious at the presidential election and pay the remaining at the end of January. Don’t delay this salary increase   

People should have money in hand to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Civil servants have to take this fight This battle is now in your hands.