National minimum wage increased to Rs. 27,000 from April 1

Colombo, July 28 (Daily Mirror) - While issuing a notice, the Labour Department announced an increase in the national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2025. 

The announcement was made by Labour Commissioner General H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyedda. He said the National Minimum Monthly Wage has been raised to Rs. 27,000, while the National Minimum Daily Wage has been increased to Rs. 1,080.

This wage adjustment applies to all employees covered under the National Minimum Wages Act No. 3 of 2016.

The notice also clarifies that any Budgetary Relief Allowance received by employees as of March 31, 2025, should be incorporated into the revised salary structure. 

The Commissioner General said that an employee earning Rs. 17,500 monthly, along with a relief allowance of Rs. 3,500, would now be entitled to a minimum basic salary of Rs. 27,000.

The increased wages will be applicable for all statutory payments, including contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), overtime, bonuses, maternity benefits and holiday pay.

In addition, the National Minimum Monthly Wage is set to further increase to Rs. 30,000, and the Daily Wage to Rs. 1,200, effective from January 1, 2026.

The updated wage structure is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve living standards and ensure fair compensation for all workers across the country.