Seven plantation companies agreed to pay Rs 1700 as daily wage for plantation workers: President

Plantation workers: file pix

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he is scheduled to have talks with the Wages Board tomorrow (12)  claiming that seven plantation companies have agreed with the government's decision to provide a daily salary of Rs 1, 700 to plantation workers.

“As the current labour minister, I have planned to convene the Wages Board on Monday to further discuss the matter. If necessary, special laws will be introduced to implement this decision”, he added. 

President also announced that workers' welfare funds, which have been neglected for many years will be paid starting next year.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while attending the Kandy District Plantation Labour Unions and Youth Leaders meeting organized by the Ceylon Workers' Congress on Saturday (10) at the KARALIYA Convention Centre And Center For Performing Arts, Kandy.

Following the transfer of responsibility from Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, I, as President, am prepared to discuss the matter with the Wages Board next Monday. We will also consider enacting special laws if necessary to implement this decision. I believe that both Minister Jeevan Thondaman and MP P. Digambaran will support the adoption of these laws," President said. (Northeastern Monitor/ August 11/2024)