The government has approved the payment of more than Rs. 4.5 billion in outstanding statutory dues to over 10,000 current and retired employees of three state-owned plantation institutions.

The payments, which have remained outstanding for more than 20 years, will be made to employees and former employees of the Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation, Janatha Estate Development Board and Elkaduwa Plantations Company, institutions under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure.

The Cabinet approval was granted following a proposal submitted on the initiative of Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, recognising the economic and health challenges faced by plantation workers, particularly after retirement and in old age.

Under the approved payments, more than Rs. 1.961 billion will be allocated to around 3,000 employees of the Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation.

A further Rs. 2.024 billion will be provided to 6,123 employees of the Janatha Estate Development Board, while more than Rs. 503 million will be allocated to around 1,000 employees of Elkaduwa Plantations Company.

The total allocation is therefore expected to exceed Rs. 4.5 billion.

The government said the decision is in line with its policy commitments to protect the rights of plantation communities, particularly the Malaiyaha Tamil community, and strengthen their economic security.

The initial payment of the outstanding gratuity benefits is scheduled to commence on September 10 at the Kandy District Secretariat.