AKD says Rs. 1,750 daily wage for plantation workers by year-end

Monday, 13 October 2025 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha (left) shares a moment with President Anura Kumara Disanayake at event in Bandarawela to distribute land deeds to plantation families under an India-funded housing project

President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday said the daily wage of plantation workers will be increased to Rs. 1,750 before the end of this year.

He made the announcement at an event held in Bandarawela to distribute land title deeds to over 2,000 families from the upcountry plantation community under the fourth phase of the 10,000-housing project implemented with Indian assistance.

The President said the Government is committed to improving the economic and social well-being of the plantation community, who have contributed to the national economy for more than two centuries. He said ensuring fair wages, housing ownership, and better living conditions for the Malayagam community remains a key responsibility of the State.

Disanayake also thanked the Indian Government for its continued support to improve living standards in Sri Lanka, highlighting India’s contribution of Rs. 2.8 million per housing unit under the project, in addition to the Rs. 400,000 allocated by the Sri Lankan Government for infrastructure facilities.

He said the Government is focusing on several areas to uplift the plantation community, including health, education, access to clean water, and eradication of the drug menace in estate areas.

“The plantation community has long demanded a fair daily wage of Rs. 1,750. We are determined to ensure that this entitlement is granted within this year by whatever means necessary,” he said.

The President also noted the growing political participation of the Malayagam community, observing that for the first time in history, many of their representatives were elected to Parliament in the last General Election. He said the Government would not betray the trust placed by the community and would continue to work towards ensuring their economic and social advancement.

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, speaking at the event, said the housing initiative reflected the longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the development and well-being of all Sri Lankan communities.