Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

Colombo, March 19 (Daily Mirror) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented. The President made these remarks during a meeting held today at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU). He highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals and ensure the sustainability of the sector. The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.

Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

Colombo, March 13 (Daily Mirror) - Despite financial limitations, the government has implemented the largest-ever increase in the basic salary of public sector employees, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. He made this comment during a meeting with academics from the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) this morning. The President highlighted that the country is currently engaged in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which requires the government to follow the recommended guidelines and parameters. Accordingly, this year’s budget proposals have been formulated with a focus on revenue and expenditure limitations, prioritizing education and healthcare, he said. The academics also briefed the President on the challenges they are facing, and potential solutions to address these issues were discussed. Later, the President assured that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by all professional groups and is committed to addressing them sensitively while safeguarding the rights of all individuals.

Ada Derana

Factual

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented. The President made these remarks during a meeting held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses’ Union (PSUNU), the PMD reported. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector, he said. The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold. Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues, the statement said. The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU. --PMD

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has welcomed the 2025 Budget, stating that it offers a favorable resolution to concerns over payments for doctors’ additional duties. Addressing a press conference today (March 22), GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the budgetary provisions have addressed a key issue that had sparked widespread concern within the health sector in recent weeks. There had been speculation that allowances for health professionals would be slashed under the new budget proposals, leading to unrest within the sector. Several health trade unions had even resorted to strike action, demanding clarity and favorable adjustments. Following discussions with authorities, the GMOA now expresses optimism that the measures introduced in the budget will ensure fair compensation for medical professionals undertaking additional duties.