In line with the salary increment granted to public sector employees, the government should take adequate measures to increase the salaries of those in the private sector at least by Rs.2,500 per month, UPFA MP Gamini Lokuge told parliament today.

“For the first time in Sri Lankan history, the Cabinet Ministry has not been given authority over labour affairs, albeit it had been the case since independence. The incumbent government has neglected this pivotal subject and removed it from the cabinet portfolio," he said.

On a different note, he said the government was drafting a new anti-terrorism bill in a bid to suppress labour struggles.

"This bill gives provision to take legal action against the employees who resort to trade union action. They can be imprisoned for vandalism for up to 20 years," he said. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)