Former UNP Deputy Leader and Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake says that the decision to increase the salaries of estate workers through the 2026 budget proposal is commendable and reflects positively on the government.
Speaking to the media, he emphasized that budget allocations should be distributed across all sectors, noting that Sri Lanka has a population of 22 million and relief should not be limited to only a specific group.
Karunanayake stressed that while the increase benefits 140,000 estate workers and those receiving the Mahapola allowance, the government should ensure that all citizens benefit from fiscal measures.
He added that providing payments to only one section using taxpayers’ money could violate the rights of others and may lead to questionable or unfair outcomes.
