Government to prioritize establishment of salaries and pensions commission, Says Minister

Colombo, Jan. 14 (Daily Mirror) - The proposed Salaries and Pensions Commission will be established as a top priority to ensure sustainable management of public employee salaries and pensions, The Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister, Professor Chandana Abayaratne said.

Speaking during a discussion with several public employee trade unions at the ministry yesterday, Minister Abayaratne highlighted that the 2026 national budget includes the creation of the commission to address longstanding salary anomalies and pension-related issues, while taking into account challenges to public financial management.

The discussion was convened following requests from trade unions seeking to expedite the establishment of the commission to resolve existing problems efficiently. The Minister highlighted that other trade unions are also welcome to submit their views and noted that the President, in presenting the 2026 budget, has recognized the urgent need for this initiative. He also pointed out that the President had instructed ministry secretaries on January 5 to fast-track the commission’s formation.

Minister Abayaratne added that the ministry is already taking necessary steps, in coordination with the President, to establish the commission. Once operational, all public servants will have the opportunity to submit their views, either orally or in writing, through trade unions.