Sri Lanka, Jan. 20 -- The national minimum wage in the private sector will rise from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000, effective 1 January 2026, Labour Department Commissioner General Ms. H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadda said.

She added that the announcement was made in accordance with the National Minimum Wage of Employees (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2025.

She also noted that the daily wage will increase from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,200, with employers required to make the relevant payments.

"Under the provisions of the Amendment Act, every employer-including both the immediate and ultimate employer-will be responsible for complying with the minimum wage requirements for employees engaged through intermediaries or contractors. Apart from budgetary relief allo...