The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak as we amend the Budget Relief Allowance Act, No. 36 of 2005, the Employees’ National Minimum Wage Act, No. 3 of 2016, and the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Act, No. 4 of 2016. Through these, relief is provided to working people, especially those outside the public service. Previously, if they received any allowance, it was only after struggle. As a people’s government safeguarding people’s rights, we act on their behalf.

¶ 02 The common wage of Rs. 21,000 for workers will rise to Rs. 30,000 after 31 December—by this coming January—under this Government. Admittedly, given the economic situation, this is still not enough. Some private sector workers already earn more, but this will give relief to those at the lowest levels. With an approximate 50% increase, employers will have to consider all employees when paying wages. There will also be additional benefits in gratuity and ETF.

¶ 03 Why did the Government do this? Earlier, we raised public sector salaries—without them even asking. Likewise, in the private sector too, without agitations, the Government has taken this step. The path of this Government is to build a people-participatory economy—engaging all in the economy and ensuring that benefits flow to the people. In the past, people’s participation meant exploitation of their labour without benefits flowing down. Now we are gradually uplifting the country and ensuring benefits reach the people. Increased wages boost money circulation, strengthen purchasing power, increase production, and expand markets—expanding the economy further and returning benefits to people. This marks our economic path.

¶ 04 For years, the people were looted; the benefits went to the top. We remember the non-performing loans written off—those who took bank loans and didn’t repay, while privately using helicopters and owning garment factories—be they UNP, SLPP or SJB. The result was the impoverishment of our people. Those culprits now come to Parliament demanding handouts. Do they even have a conscience?

¶ 05 In our history—from long ago and in recent times—workers secured wage increases only through struggle: from the 1893 printers’ strike to the 1980 July strike. In 1980 when workers asked for a Rs. 10 increase, the JR Jayewardene–R. Premadasa Government sacked 114,000 and used thugs to attack workers; worker Seneviratne (Sirimapala) was killed. During recent teacher struggles, Ministers called them “ill-omened.” Some of those Ministers are now in jail; others sit here. Increasing wages for both public and private sector workers sends a message: this is a Government of working people. These increases were made through discussions at the National Labour Advisory Council with unions and employers.

¶ 06 It is understandable the Opposition is agitated when people are pleased. One Member said we should come to them for workers’ issues, but people tell us: if you do not jail the thieves quickly, forgive us. Faces lit up with joy when arrests were made recently.

¶ 07 Today is a day our nation can be happy about. Remember, this Opposition is busily dividing up local councils among themselves—the SJB and the SLPP cutting deals amicably. Thieves are uniting to overturn a Government that legislates for the people. But they will not succeed. Tomorrow the people will unite further with us. I conclude with thanks for this victorious day.