Cabinet greenlights wage hike and relief scheme for plantation sector

The Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka has given the green light to relief measures outlined in the 2026 Budget aimed at enhancing the living conditions of plantation workers. As part of this budget, the President proposed an increase in the daily minimum wage for these workers to Rs. 1,550, which includes a daily attendance bonus of Rs. 200. To support this initiative, the budget allocates Rs. 5,000 million. Starting January 1, 2026, the attendance bonus will be distributed through companies for the first six months, after which it will be deposited directly into the personal bank accounts of the plantation workers. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Cabinet Spokesman, stated that the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure is working with all necessary parties to ensure this plan is executed properly. The Cabinet has approved a joint proposal from the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding the payment of these incentives to plantation workers.