Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (24 September) that steps are being taken to sustainably manage the salary and pension policy of public officers and pensioners and to provide solutions to salary anomalies that have persisted for many years.
The Prime Minister further stated that, to address these issues, the Commission on Salaries and Pensions of Public Officers was established through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2494/05 dated 22 June 2026.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the key responsibilities of the Commission include making recommendations for structural reforms in the public service as a whole, anticipating future requirements in line with emerging technological and global trends, and proposing strategies to establish a citizen-centred, ethical and accountable public service.
According to the relevant Gazette notification, the Commission is required to submit a report containing its recommendations to the President within one year. The Prime Minister stated that proposals, views and requests from trade unions, various organisations and the public are already being received for this purpose. The Prime Minister further emphasised that, while these proposals are being studied and the process is being carried out, a quarterly progress report will also be submitted to the President.
The Prime Minister also clarified that, as of 18 September 2026, no expenditure had been incurred for maintenance services or the procurement of assets for the Commission on Salaries and Pensions of Public Officers, and that no expenditure had been incurred on salaries and allowances up to that date.
However, the Prime Minister stated that, for the payment of salaries for September 2026, approximately Rs. 508,988.00 is due to be paid as salaries and allowances to four officers of the Commission.
Prime Minister’s Media Division