Govt. to allocate Rs. 110Bn for public service salary increases in 2027

Colombo, August 5 (Daily Mirror) - The government plans to allocate Rs. 110 billion for public service salary increases in 2027, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

He said the same amount will be allocated for salary increases in 2026 as well, continuing the proposal outlined in the previous budget to enhance the status and performance of public service officers.

President Dissanayake made these remarks while addressing the 41st Annual Convention of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA), held today (August 5) at Temple Trees. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abayarathna.

Highlighting the need for transformation, President Dissanayake said next year’s budget will focus on building a modern public service, following what he described as a “self-critique” of a state currently in “physical and spiritual ruin.” He noted that priority has been given to improving physical facilities in the public sector to aid this transformation.

He stressed the importance of instilling a culture of modernity within the public administration and pledged to take all possible measures to protect and revitalise the public service.

The President also addressed the ethical deterioration within a section of the service, stating that for a minority, their duties had become transactional. He said the government was determined to rescue the service from a culture that prioritises financial gain over social responsibility.

As the political authority, President Dissanayake said the government remains committed to building an efficient and attractive public sector and expects dedication and integrity from public officers in return.

The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association convention was held after a five-year hiatus and brings together members of the premier administrative body in the country’s public sector.