The government currently spends nearly Rs. 900 billion annually solely on the payment of public sector salaries, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated.
The Minister made these remarks yesterday (14) while attending an appointment ceremony at the Ministry of Health, where appointments were awarded to 223 individuals across four service categories.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister noted that all such expenditure, including public sector salaries and allowances, is financed through tax revenue collected from the public.
Therefore, he emphasized that every public sector employee has a responsibility to perform their duties with a clear understanding of and accountability for the use of public funds.
The Minister further stated that 1,600 Medical Officers in the Primary Grade are also scheduled to be recruited into the health sector before the end of this month.
He added that the newly appointed employees would also be entitled to the benefits of the salary revisions introduced by the government.
Accordingly, an increase in basic salaries is scheduled to take effect in January, while an increase in allowances is expected from July, the Minister further stated.
