State workers protest during lunch hour, demanding pay hike of Rs 20,000

By Rathindra Kuruwita  

State workers across the country held demonstrations yesterday (30) during lunch hour, demanding a 20,000 rupee salary increase from the 2024 Budget.

 Public servants including development officers, management service officers, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officers, and office Services personnel took part in the demonstrations.

 Coordinator of State and Provincial Government Services Union (SPGSU) Chandana Sooriyaarachchi said people desperately needed a salary hike.

 “If a pay hike is not proposed in the Budget that will be presented on 13 November, we will strike,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the All Ceylon Management Service Officer’s Union Udeni Dissanayake said the salaries of the government sector had been last increased in 2016.

“The Monday’s demonstrations were only a warning,” he said.

Public Health Inspectors (PHI) too withdrew from duties on Monday and today.

Treasurer of the PHI union Roshan Kumara said the government had not addressed any of their grievances.