Teachers, principals to receive pay hike from 24% to 35% by January 2025

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama
Government employees, including teachers and principals, will receive a salary increase of 24% to 35% by January 1, 2025, along with the correction of salary anomalies, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.   
At an event, the minister said that all necessary calculations and measures to secure funds for the salary increments have been included in the 2025 budget proposal. With this increment, the minimum salary for a government worker will rise to Rs. 55,000 by next year, he said.   
However, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) criticized our measures and claimed they would raise the basic salary for government workers to Rs. 57,000 under their administration, without explaining how they would secure the funds for that payment, Minister said.   
“Making such statements to gain power is pointless, especially in a country facing financial difficulties. Unlike previous elections, where these issues did not arise, the current government had to navigate complex loan restructuring. This involved discussions with 18 countries, including the Paris Club, China, India, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank (WB), resulting in separate agreements. Breaking these agreements could result in the loss of facilities and lead to Sri Lanka being blacklisted,” the Minister said.   
“We have governed for two years, beginning with our nominations. The SJB has spent two years criticizing us. Now, they are making promises based on the foundation we have created. That is the difference,” the minister said.