Sri Lanka, Jan. 27 -- The government has had to allocate an additional Rs. 220 billion in 2026 to fund basic salary increases granted to doctors and the entire public service, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

The Health Minister made these remarks today (27) while addressing the weekly Cabinet media briefing.

The Minister noted that expenditure on the salary increases is expected to rise to Rs. 330 billion in 2027.

Minister Jayatissa said the government granted a salary increase this month for all doctors and public sector employees in the country. He said in order to facilitate the basic salary increases, the government will spend Rs. 220 billion in 2026.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa explained t...