Mahinda promises
pay hike from Jan

As a combined strike from the key public sector looms President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday have assurances that a salary hike will be given from January next year.
Speaking at the seventh annual meeting of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya at Temple Trees last morning President Rajapaksa noted that it was unnecessary for workers to strike given that he has always been available to discuss and address their needs. He also maintained that his government had always listened to the needs of the people and had introduced measures that were of significant relief to public servants.
“I have not forgotten the services that have been rendered to this country by its workers. I love this country more than I love myself. Therefore no matter how politically unpopular it may be for me I will still give a salary increase starting from January next year. That pay increase will include arrears in months of November and December as well,” he said.
He pledged to ensure that the price increase would take affect across the board from beginning of 2010.