TPA backs wage hike but calls for clear implementation – Barath Arullsamy

Colombo, Nov.15 (Daily Mirror) - The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has expressed support for the 2026 Budget’s proposed daily wage increase for plantation workers, while urging clear implementation and wider structural reforms.

TPA-Democratic Peoples Front Vice President Barath Arullsamy said the party voted in favour of the Budget’s Second Reading after TPA Leader Mano Ganesan MP addressed Parliament, expressing confidence in the President’s assurance of a uniform Rs. 1,750 daily wage for all plantation workers, including those in State Plantations, Regional Plantation Companies, and smallholder estates.

Arullsamy highlighted that, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, plantation wages were raised through a Budget proposal without trade-union pressure or political theatrics. Under the government’s plan, a Rs. 200 company contribution and a Rs. 200 attendance incentive would increase daily earnings from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750. “We welcome this development and acknowledge President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for recognising the TPA leadership’s long-standing advocacy,” he said.

However, he warned that the government-funded incentive is temporary and must not replace structural employment reforms. Citing findings from Arutha Research, Arullsamy noted concerns that profitable plantation companies may be indirectly subsidised, and that the Rs. 5 billion allocation may be insufficient for the entire workforce. He also pointed out that the Labour Department and regional ACL offices lack the capacity to monitor attendance or enforce wage compliance effectively.

He stressed that the Rs. 200 attendance incentive should be added to the basic wage to secure EPF, ETF, and maternity benefits. “Most estates cannot offer 25 working days. Some provide only 10–15. Without a clear monitoring mechanism, workers may be unfairly penalised,” he said.

Arullsamy reiterated that the wage increase addresses only part of the broader challenges faced by the Malayaga Tamil community. He called for solutions on land rights, new administrative boundaries, non-territorial community councils, equal access to education and healthcare, fair inclusion in government service, and structured youth skills programmes.

He also clarified that the TPA does not support the outdated regimental daily-wage system, advocating instead for a Tea Partner Model that gradually transforms plantation workers into smallholders with ownership, dignity, and sustainable incomes.

Responding to Opposition criticism of the government incentive, Arullsamy said it was “disheartening” that the move was described as a bribe. “These remarks insult a community that carried this country through the pandemic, the economic crisis, and generations of hardship,” he added.

Arullsamy noted that the TPA leadership had conveyed these concerns to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, reminding him of the Malayaga Tamil community’s consistent electoral support.

He added that the TPA will continue to “support progressive measures, challenge unfair practices, and ensure that the government delivers on its promises while safeguarding the dignity and long-term justice of the Malayaga Tamil community.”