A Parliamentary debate was held today pertaining to the minimum wage in both the private and state sector.
National People’s Power Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act that is being introduced is a joke, claiming no one can survive on Rs.500 a day.
MP Herath said it had only been increased by Rs.100 and questioned the Labour and Finance Ministers over which formula was used to increase the minimum wage by Rs.100, and whether it was sufficient.
He added the minimum wage is Rs.12,500 and questioned who will accept such a salary.
He noted Rs.500 per day is insufficient and unjust, adding the minimum wage should at least be Rs.1,000.
MP Herath said therefore employees must receive a minimum wage of Rs.25,000.
MP Herath added estate workers as well as private and state sector workers are claiming they cannot survive with meagre wages.
He noted teachers took to the streets over a fair demand to resolve salary anomalies.
The MP added teachers are not demanding an immediate salary increment.
He said instead of providing solutions the government criticised teachers and said one teacher is enough to teach all students.
MP Herath said teachers receive a monthly salary of Rs.31,000-35,000, or a daily wage of Rs.1,400-1,500.
He therefore said the minimum daily wage must be increased to Rs.1,000.
