The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
The Minister answered a Standing Order 27(2) question raised by Hon. K. Kader Masthan regarding the Government Translators’ Service. He stated that a structured service already exists, but salary issues arising from a proposed higher initial scale in the draft service minute are being addressed in line with the National Pay Policy and a Supreme Court judgment, with Special Grade promotions granted under Circular 12/2019. He said the Government will seek relevant concurrence and submit a Cabinet Memorandum, and that an independent committee is not presently necessary.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I respond to the Question raised under Standing Order 27(2) by Hon. K. Kader Masthan on 11 July 2025.
¶ 02 1. Yes.
¶ 03 2. No. There is already a structured service. However, due to the proposed higher initial salary scale for Government Translators’ Service in the draft service minute under consideration and the resulting overlaps with existing Special Grade officers, we are seeking a solution consistent with the National Pay Policy.
¶ 04 3. Not arising, as per Answer 2.
¶ 05 4. Yes. There is a Supreme Court judgment on this matter. Accordingly, promotions to Special Grade have been granted per Circular 12/2019 of 21.05.2019.
¶ 06 5. Not arising, as per Answer 2.
¶ 07 6. We will, without delay, seek concurrence of relevant agencies on a fair solution to the salary issue and submit a Cabinet Memorandum.
¶ 08 7. Therefore, an independent committee is not necessary at this time; such a committee would be appointed only if needed.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Wednesday, 8 October 2025 ·No. 22594 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 8 October 2025. No. 22594. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/18790