Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Parliament yesterday unanimously passed the Minimum Wages Bill, raising the minimum wage for private sector employees from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 effective April 2025, with a further increase to Rs. 30,000 starting next year.
The landmark wage increase was approved without a vote, signalling broad consensus across political parties on the need to address cost-of-living pressures faced by private sector workers.
On 7 Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the revision of the national minimum monthly and daily wage structure for private sector employees
(https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Cabinet-nod-to-increase-private-sector-minimum-wages/26-775326).
In addition, Parliament approved amendments to the Budget Relief Bill No. 4 of 2016 and Budget Relief Bill No. 36 of 2005, each by a two-thirds majority. Both bills received 181 votes in favour, with no votes against, although over 40 MPs were absent at the time of voting.
The Budget Relief Bill amendments are part of the Government’s broader fiscal reform agenda aimed at easing economic burdens and streamlining tax and welfare provisions.
The legislation will now move forward for implementation, marking a significant step in the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable economic support and social protection.
