COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa clarified the government’s proposed salary and allowance increases for healthcare professionals, who are preparing for trade union action tomorrow (6).
Dr. Jayatissa detailed the increments as follows:
Grade 3:
The basic salary for a Grade 3 supplementary medical professional will increase from Rs 32,800 to Rs 54,120, an increment of Rs 20,040.
Additionally, those currently earning Rs 34,305 will see their salary rise to Rs 58,120, an increase of Rs 23,815.
At the same time, there will be an increase of Rs. 25,590 to Rs. 62,120.
Grade 2:
Professionals in Grade 2 will have their basic salary increased from Rs 37,190 to Rs 63,310, a rise of Rs 26,120.
Those earning Rs 40,490 will see an increase to Rs 69,260, an increment of Rs 28,770.
A Grade 2 professional with a bacis salary Rs. 43,790 will seen an increase of Rs. 31,420 to Rs. 75,210.
Grade 1:
The basic salary for Grade 1 professionals will increase from Rs. 44,520 to Rs. 76,530, an increment of Rs. 32,010.
Those earning Rs. 48,170 will see their salary rise to Rs. 83,130, an increase of Rs. 34,960.
A Grade 1 professional with a basic salary of Rs. 52,590 will seen an increase to Rs. 91,110.
A Grade professional with a basic salary of Rs. 58,590 will see it increased to Rs, 101,910.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the government has implemented additional salary and allowance increases for supplementary medical professionals.
Overtime Pay:
The overtime pay for Grade 3 professionals will increase from Rs 210 per hour to Rs 285 per hour, an increment of Rs 75.
For Grade 2 professionals, the overtime pay will rise from Rs 250 per hour to Rs 340 per hour, an increase of Rs 90.
Grade 1 professionals will see their overtime pay increase from Rs 300 per hour to Rs 415 per hour, an increment of Rs 115.
For those in the Super Grade, the overtime pay will increase from Rs 345 per hour to Rs 495 per hour, an increment of Rs 150.
Special Grade professionals will see their overtime pay rise from Rs 390 per hour to Rs 540 per hour, an increase of Rs 150.
Holiday Allowances:
The holiday allowance for Grade 3 professionals will increase from Rs 1,604 to Rs 1,804, an increment of Rs 200.
For Grade 2 professionals, the holiday allowance will rise from Rs 1,850 to Rs 2,110, an increase of Rs 260.
Grade 1 professionals will see their holiday allowance increase from Rs 2,026 to Rs 2,351, an increment of Rs 325.
For those in the Super Grade, the holiday allowance will increase from Rs 2,629 to Rs 3,037, an increment of Rs 408.
Annual Salary Increments:
The annual salary increment for Grade 3 professionals will increase from Rs 445 to Rs 800.
For Grade 2 professionals, the increment will rise from Rs 660 to Rs 1,190.
Grade 1 professionals will see their annual increment increase from Rs 730 to Rs 1,320.
For those in the Super Grade, the annual increment will increase from Rs 750 to Rs 1,350.
Tax Reforms:
The government has introduced tax reforms that will exempt Grade 3 and Grade 2 professionals from paying income tax.
Only those in Grade 1 and above will be required to pay taxes, with significant relief provided for those earning between Rs 150,000 and Rs 200,000.
Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that these increments are part of a comprehensive package designed to address the financial concerns of healthcare workers. He urged healthcare professionals to report to work as usual and assured them of the government’s willingness to engage in further discussions.
He also requested healthcare professionals not to be swayed by misinformation and to continue their essential services without resorting to industrial action.
