Sri Lanka Raises Minimum Wages for Private Sector

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the minimum monthly and daily wages for private sector workers. 

The government announced that, effective April 1, the minimum monthly wage for private sector employees will be raised by Rs 9,500, from RS 17,500 to Rs 27,000.

Additionally, the minimum daily wage for private sector workers will be increased by Rs 380, raising it from Rs 700 to Rs 1,080, effective April 1.

Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum monthly wage for private sector employees will be further increased by Rs 3,000, from Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000. 

The minimum daily wage will also be raised by Rs 120, from RS 1,080 to Rs 1,200, effective January 1, 2026.