Sri Lanka has announced a major wage increase for plantation workers, giving them a significant rise in their daily pay. The decision is seen as an important step to improve the living conditions of thousands of workers and their families.
An agreement was signed at the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to raise the basic daily wage from 1,350 rupees to 1,550 rupees. In addition, workers will receive 200 rupees as a daily attendance allowance. This brings their total daily earnings to 1,750 rupees.
Plantation workers in Sri Lanka mainly belong to the Indian Origin Tamil community. Their ancestors were brought from India nearly 200 years ago by the British to work on tea, rubber, and coffee plantations. Over time, they settled permanently in the plantation regions of the island. Despite their long history in the country, many of them continue to face economic hardship and poor living conditions.
The wage increase comes after long discussions between the government and regional plantation companies. It also follows promises made in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2025 budget, where he proposed better pay and support for plantation workers.
To help companies implement the pay hike, the Sri Lankan government has set aside 5,000 million rupees in the 2026 national budget. Officials say this financial support will ensure that workers receive the higher wages without delays.
The move has been welcomed by worker unions and community leaders, who have been demanding fair wages for many years. They say the increase will help workers manage rising living costs and improve their quality of life.
India has also played a supportive role by backing programmes aimed at improving the social and economic conditions of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector. Over the years, India has supported housing, education, and welfare projects for the community.
The government hopes that the wage hike will bring greater financial stability to plantation families and recognise their contribution to the country’s economy.