The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Workers’ National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 02 Now there is an opportunity to grant wage increases to the working class across various levels of the private sector—drivers, security officers, cleaners and many others. In the past, those who alternated in power deceived them and failed to grant fair wages. Despite that, through their effort they have now reached a happier footing, and today is a significant day for them.

¶ 03 After our Government assumed office, efforts were made to increase the wages of the working class—both public and private sector. In our first Budget, provisions were made, though the Opposition called it false and sought to mislead the people. As we traveled the country, public and private workers asked whether they would really receive the increased salary. We told them they would feel it when the time came. They felt the basic salary increase last April. In the past, public servant salaries were raised only once; our Government has taken a historic step by increasing the basic salary of both public and private sector employees.

¶ 04 When we speak of private sector wage increases, we cannot omit our plantation people with 200 years of history—the backbone of the economy plucking tea leaves. The National People’s Power (NPP) Government is conducting discussions at various levels on increasing their wages. Those who deceived estate workers with promises when in past governments did nothing for them. But the NPP Government is committed to taking them to the position they deserve, and to paying the arrears to those underpaid. We will both pass this Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill and, in the forthcoming Budget, further increase their pay and settle overdue wage payments.

¶ 05 Over 50,000 private sector employees contribute to the economy; they must have a better future. This Government will continue to support them, and I ask the Opposition to also contribute rather than deceiving the people. Despite past corruption plunging the nation into crisis, the Hon. President effectively managed the economy and rescued the country from collapse. We are significantly contributing to the people’s livelihoods and national reconstruction.

¶ 06 Some in the Opposition incite communalism. We strongly condemn attempts to lead people toward racist parties. The Hon. Member Kodeeswaran said Tamils were killed; it would have been better to say that Muslims and Sinhalese were also killed. We cannot allow the country to be dragged backward by constantly revisiting past events. The Opposition should join all programs to rebuild the country. Our Government is steadily fulfilling promises, and all communities—Tamils, Sinhalese, and Muslims—now place their trust in the NPP. Thank you.