The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I address this question to the Minister of Finance.

¶ 02 We have learned that, following recent government salary increases, the salaries of employees of the Employees’ Trust Fund Board (ETF) have been reduced when aligning scales under Circular 01/2025. They are continuously protesting, alleging that their salaries have been cut under that circular.

¶ 03 1. What is the current fund value of the Employees’ Trust Fund? 2. How many employers are registered under this fund? 3. How many registered members presently receive benefits from the ETF?

¶ 04 Further, is it not the case that these employees’ salaries are not structured under a fair system, and will you agree to a just salary increase?

¶ 05 Hon. Minister, after the government’s salary increase, these employees saw a reduction of about Rs. 9,010, and in some cases Rs. 22,000. The ETF holds around Rs. 506 billion, with about 800 staff. The issue affects about 560 of them, and it is a serious injustice. The ETF contributes greatly to the country and to private and semi-government workers. Yet the ETF Chairman draws a salary, and Rs. 18 million has reportedly been paid from the Fund for the “Kopi Kade” TV drama on ITN, while staff salaries are being cut. The President urged the private sector to increase salaries after the public sector raise; nevertheless, this problem has arisen. I request a fair solution for ETF employees.