The Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to amend the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act No. 03 of 2016 to increase the minimum monthly wage and daily wage of all workers in any industry.

This was recommended by the tripartite sub-committee of trade unions representing Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and employees appointed by the National Labour Advisory Council.

The relevant proposal was presented to the Cabinet meeting held on Monday (March 25) by Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara.

Accordingly, it is proposed to increase the minimum monthly wage by Rs. 5,000, to Rs. 17,500.

In addition, the minimum daily wage of workers is proposed to be raised from Rs. 500 to Rs. 700.