The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, we have increased the monthly allowance of gatekeepers from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 15,000 in this Budget. That alone will not eliminate the inherent risk of unsafe crossings; therefore, we are implementing a long-term program. In recent times, many categories of non-permanent staff have been recruited to the public sector. Government has decided to regularize about 9,800 of them. However, there will be no blanket absorption; minimum educational qualifications will apply. For instance, regarding RDA workers, we regularized about 700; another 300 remain pending. They must at least have sat the G.C.E. O/L, not necessarily passed in eight subjects. Some will obtain eligibility after sitting the next O/L in February. Similarly, for gatekeepers, relevant eligibility may apply; I cannot, without study, promise to absorb all. Generally, Government is working to regularize around 10,000 non-permanent/irregular employees across departments and institutions.