Dr. Ilango Gandhi, leader of the All Lanka Progressive Workers Front, has criticized the National People’s Power (NPP) government for not fulfilling its promises to estate workers, claiming that the government’s first budget fails to provide meaningful relief for plantation workers.
Addressing the media from his Hatton office, Dr. Gandhi reminded that the government had committed during both the presidential and parliamentary elections to raise estate workers’ daily wages to Rs. 2,000, arguing that their current pay is insufficient for a decent livelihood.
However, he pointed out that the budget only proposes an increase to Rs. 1,700, and plantation companies have yet to implement the new wage structure.
Dr. Gandhi expressed his disappointment, stating that estate workers who had trusted the NPP’s promises and voted for them now feel betrayed.
He highlighted the plantation sector’s significant role in Sri Lanka’s economy, yet workers in this industry continue to struggle financially.
The lack of swift action from both the government and plantation companies has left workers uncertain about when, or if, they will receive the promised wage hike.
He also criticized the government for failing to prioritize the well-being of estate workers, claiming that they have once again been misled, just as in the past.
He urged the NPP government to take immediate action to ensure plantation workers receive the salary increase they were promised, stressing the need to improve their living conditions.
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