The Planters' Association of Ceylon (PA) today announced that member Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) increased the festival advances for their employees commencing with the Deepavali festival.

Accordingly, all RPC workers received an increased festival advance from a previous Rs. 20,000 up to Rs. 25,000, reflecting a 25% increase, while staff will see a 20% increase from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000.

Commenting on the initiative, PA Secretary General, Lalith Obeyesekere said: “RPCs arrived at this decision proactively and on their own in recognition of the cultural importance of the Deepavali festival. By providing this increased advance – which was increased in proportion to the recent wage hike, RPCs are restating their commitment to supporting employees, allowing them to observe this festive season with enhanced peace of mind and financial security."

The increased sum for Deepavali advances follows on the recent breakthrough in wage negotiations which saw plantation worker wages increase from Rs. 1,000 per day up to Rs. 1,350 per day, in addition to a productivity component that allows workers to increase their earnings for every kilo harvested above the estate norm.

Even prior to this wage increase, Sri Lankan tea harvesters were among the highest paid among global competitors, even when excluding the cost of housing, healthcare and numerous other welfare initiatives undertaken by RPCs.