Colombo, April 10 -- The national minimum monthly wage in the private sector will be increased to Rs. 27,000 this year, according to the budget proposals, the Ministry of Labour announced.

The Ministry also said that the national minimum daily wage will be increased from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,080.

The current national minimum monthly wage of Rs. 21,000 paid by the private sector is comprised of Rs. 17,500 under the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act No. 48 of 2024, a Rs. 1,000 Budget Relief Allowance under the Budget Relief Allowance Act No. 36 of 2005, and a Rs. 2,500 Budget Relief Allowance under the Budget Relief Allowance Act No. 4 of 2016.

Accordingly, the previous budget relief allowances totaling Rs. 3,500 will now be incorporated...