November 17, Colombo (LNW): A preliminary report outlining recommendations for a more coherent salary structure and measures to strengthen professionalism across Sri Lanka’s public sector has been submitted to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The document, prepared by a subcommittee headed by MP Chandana Sooriyarachchi, was tabled during a recent committee session held within the Parliament premises.
Chaired by Minister Prof. A. H. M. H. Abeyrathna, the meeting also provided MPs with an opportunity to raise long-standing concerns about administrative bottlenecks and operational shortcomings in Divisional Secretariats and Local Government bodies. Officials present were instructed to prioritise follow-up action, with several members noting that inefficiencies at ground level continue to affect public access to essential services.
Among the proposals brought forward was a call to re-examine pension entitlements for individuals who had served in the public sector for over a decade before entering Parliament. As former public servants who resign to take up legislative roles do not automatically receive a parliamentary pension, committee members argued that the matter warrants a more equitable approach. The Chair indicated that wider consultation would take place before any final position is adopted.
Additionally, several MPs highlighted growing uncertainty within the public service following amendments by the Public Service Commission to efficiency bar criteria, recruitment guidelines, and promotion pathways. Ministry officials acknowledged the concerns and signalled a willingness to revisit the changes in order to restore clarity for public employees.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath, parliamentary committee members, and senior administrative officers, all of whom emphasised the importance of restoring confidence in the public sector through clear policy direction and fair professional standards.
