In a contentious meeting held today at Parliament, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana led a delegation of Party Leaders to question Central Bank officials regarding a recent salary increase for its employees.
According to reports from the Parliament Media Unit, the discussion centred on several key points.
The salary hike, which amounts to an additional Rs. 232 million per month, drew sharp criticism from the assembled Party Leaders. They voiced concerns over the timing of the raise, denouncing it as unjustifiable amidst widespread economic challenges faced by citizens.
Despite the Central Bank’s status as an independent entity, Party Leaders argued that it should have taken into account the prevailing national economic conditions before implementing such a substantial increase.
A significant bone of contention arose over the legality of the salary hike. While Central Bank officials asserted that the raise was carried out in accordance with a signed agreement, doubts were raised regarding the registration of this collective agreement with the Labour Ministry. This discrepancy has sparked a legal dispute, further complicating the matter.
In defence of their actions, Central Bank representatives emphasized that the funds used for the salary hike were sourced internally, asserting the institution’s ability to autonomously manage its finances.
The meeting concluded without a clear resolution, leaving lingering questions about the appropriateness and legality of the Central Bank’s salary increase. (NewsWire)
