A heated verbal exchange took place between Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera and National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakmali Hemachandra over the private-sector salary increment proposed in the government’s 2025 Budget.
Speaking during a televised debate, NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra said that the government has received the consensus of private-sector stakeholders for a salary increment.
She further said that a nearly Rs. 9000 increment has been agreed to by the relevant private-sector stakeholders, which would be implemented in due time.
Raising questions on the statement, MP Ajith P. Perera queried when the consensus had been reached and with whom, seeking clarification over the private-sector stakeholders mentioned by the government.
“If there was no consensus, the private sector stakeholders have time to address this. We won’t tell you the date we reached the agreement. The salaries will be increased, that is all. Why would we tell you the date the agreement was reached?” Hemachandra responded.
On being repeatedly questioned when the agreement had been reached with private-sector stakeholders, MP Lakmali Hemachandra said the details have been mentioned in the NPP government’s 2025 Budget.
NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra further refused to respond stating that the government was not inclined to inform MP Perera of the specific details.
“We won’t tell you the date. This is such a strange question, and we won’t answer your question,” Hemachandra added. (Newswire)