The Cabinet of Ministers made a decision yesterday to disburse a Cost of Living (CoL) allowance of Rs. 5,000 starting from this month, for public sector employees, out of the Rs. 10,000 that was pledged in the 2024 Budget.
As per the Budget 2024, public sector employees were promised a Cost of Living allowance of Rs 10,000 from April of this year.
The Cabinet of Ministers which met yesterday under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also decided to increase the Disturbance, Availability and Transport Allowance (DAT) given to the Government Medical Officers from the present Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.
President Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Finance Minister submitted these proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday.
President’s Economic Advisor Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, when contacted, stated that these proposals will be put into effect soon.
Dr. Samratunga has highlighted a noteworthy surge in the income received by the Treasury when compared to previous years.
According to him, state revenue, which previously accounted for 8.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, has now risen to 10-11 percent of GDP.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Government intends to enhance the benefits provided to employees in the Government sector, taking into account this increase in state revenue.
Dr. Samaratunga emphasized the crucial role of doctors and members of the university academia in providing essential services to the country at this juncture. The Government anticipates their continued dedication to serving the nation while remaining in the country, he said.
The Government’s aim is to enhance the welfare of public sector employees, promote economic stability, and foster the overall development of the nation, the Presidential advisor said.
