• President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a 70% increase in the daily wage for plantation workers during the May Day rally of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress in Kotagala.
• Daily wage raised to Rs. 1,700, reflected in a gazette issued on April 25, 2024.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a significant 70% increase in the daily wage for plantation workers during the May Day rally of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress in Kotagala, raising it to Rs. 1,700. Acknowledging the hardships endured, he emphasized the invaluable contribution of plantation workers to the economy, particularly through tea harvesting. The increase, reflected in a gazette issued on April 25, 2024, also includes additional allowances and applies to workers in the tea and rubber industries. Wickremesinghe underscored his government's commitment to improving the welfare of plantation workers, outlining plans to designate 'line rooms' as villages and enhance education opportunities, including recruiting specialized teachers and establishing laboratory facilities. Additionally, broader economic measures were highlighted, including salary increases for government employees and enhancements to welfare schemes.

President announces sharp daily wage hike for plantation workers | Daily FT