Workers drive Sri Lanka’s progress, says President

Working people in Sri Lanka celebrate May Day at a critical juncture while achieving numerous economic milestones despite global challenges.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, extending greetings for International Workers' Day 2026, emphasised that the working population remains the driving force behind nation-building.

The government successfully recorded the lowest budget deficit since 1977 and achieved the highest state revenue and primary account surplus since 2007 during the year 2025.

Export earnings from goods and services exceeded $17 billion, marking the year with the highest inflow of foreign remittances in the history of the country.

The security of migrant workers was ensured based on a non-aligned foreign policy despite obstacles such as Cyclone Ditwah, Middle Eastern conflicts, and American tariffs.

Steps were taken to increase the basic salaries of both public and private sector employees, while the plantation worker wage rose to Rs. 1,750.

Public servants who joined the service after 01 January 2016 also received pension rights.

Labour value increased through the raising of the Mahapola scholarship by Rs. 10,000 and the amendment of laws regarding the employment of women at night.

The "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" programme operates to improve the living standards of farmers, fishermen, and small-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah by providing the highest compensation amount in history.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake fraternally invited the entire working population to join the collective effort of building a "Rich Country - A Beautiful Life" through digital economy initiatives, education reforms, and the "Clean Sri Lanka" programme.