Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that according to the Government’s proposed plan, an additional Rs. 400 is to be added to the current daily wage of estate workers, which now stands at Rs. 1,350. Of this increase, Rs. 200 is to be provided by the plantation companies and Rs. 200 by the Government.
He said that although the estate community—who live extremely difficult lives—would welcome this Rs. 400 wage increase, the amount should be even higher. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya believes that a greater allocation is necessary, he added.
Premadasa further said that there are differing opinions on how the wage increase for the estate community should be implemented. However, any method that enables financial support to reach these workers is acceptable and reasonable. He noted that governments are capable of allocating funds in this manner, recalling that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the United Kingdom provided wage subsidies to employees of collapsed and struggling businesses. Therefore, providing such financial support is not problematic.
He emphasized that strengthening the estate community should not be done merely through wage allocations. Instead, a national program should be implemented to grant them the right to cultivate uncultivated land within plantation areas, thereby empowering them to become small-scale tea estate owners.
Premadasa said that at a time when false claims have been made regarding the budgetary allocation for the estate sector, he attempted to clarify the matter in Parliament today, but was not given the opportunity. Therefore, he presented his proposal publicly.
He explained that currently, 60–70% of plantation land is owned by state and private companies, yet they contribute only about 30% to national tea production. Meanwhile, small-scale tea growers—who collectively hold only about 30% of the land—contribute approximately 60–70% of the country’s tea output. Since many uncultivated land plots remain under state and company ownership, granting these lands to unemployed youth and estate families would help them gain land ownership, increase tea production, and significantly boost the national economy.
Therefore, he said he does not oppose the proposal to increase the wage by an additional Rs. 400. However, he prefers that the full Rs. 400 be borne by the plantation companies. In addition, he reiterated that uncultivated land should be allocated to these families so they can engage in cultivation and eventually build homes of their own.
Premadasa emphasized that this is the firm stance of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya, which was also presented as a policy during both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He urged the public not to be misled by other claims and to pay attention to this valid and practical policy.
