The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, it is welcome that our Government has brought the Bills to amend the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Act, No. 36 of 2005, and the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, No. 3 of 2016. Past Governments did not meaningfully engage on private-sector wages. As the NPP increased public-sector salaries in its first Budget, it now brings increases and relief allowances for private-sector employees. This will be a boon to all current and future private-sector workers, including garment workers, shop employees, and domestic workers who will receive a minimum daily wage of Rs. 1,700.

¶ 02 Those now in the Opposition were members and ministers in previous administrations that bankrupted the country — they could not act on workers’ issues. The NPP Government considers all — including students, women, and every sector — and brings this National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill for private-sector relief.

¶ 03 On the hill country, some Opposition Members responded to statements by our MP Hon. Ambika. Let me be clear: the NPP Government, including the President and the Ministers of Plantations, Justice, and Industry, are engaged in discussions to increase plantation wages in line with cost of living. While traditionally wages were set via Collective Agreements and then the Wages Board, now discussions with companies are ongoing. We look forward to positive steps for plantation workers in the next Budget.

¶ 04 Moreover, plantation workers have had no land, no permanent houses, and no fixed address. We intend to provide permanent housing and 10-perch plots to give them a permanent address. We had targeted the 3rd for commencement; there is some delay. The NPP Government’s policy is to brighten the lives of all our people. Those speaking on plantation people should keep this in mind. I conclude. Thank you.