Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian SB Dissanayake says it is inappropriate to increase salaries of workers of any sector, at a time the country is facing a number of issues due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to media in Colombo, MP Dissanayake said his personal opinion is that it was wrong to increase salaries of doctors and supplementary medical services.
MP Dissanayake said the teachers’ request for salary increments is not justified when the world is facing a crisis.
The MP noted state officials in the United Kingdom are working on rotational basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding they are paid half a day’s salary on days they don’t work.
He further stated that in the United States, people are paid 40% for the days that they don’t work.
Parliamentarian SB Dissanayake added however in Sri Lanka state officials and pensioners receive their full salaries.
MP Dissanayake said therefore teachers taking to the streets and allowing the emergence of a teacher and principal cluster is not justified.
He however acknowledged that teachers’ salary anomalies must be resolved.
