A crucial discussion aimed at resolving the allied health workers strike will take place tomorrow (19) under the patronage of Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena. State Ministers and senior officials from the Finance and Health Ministries are due to participate.
Treasury Secretary Siriwardena said that the authorities will assess the possibility of granting enhanced allowances for health workers, even amidst a challenging fiscal environment exacerbated by shortfalls in Government revenue.
Siriwardena was addressing the media after a symposium on the digitalisation of world trade in Colombo.
Allied health workers have launched an islandwide strike calling on the health authorities to grant a Rs.35,000 allowance similar to the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) paid to doctors.
“There is a revival of the economy, but we are not out of the woods yet. The crisis persists. There is a huge gap between expenditure and income.
“Taxes are a primary contributor to Government revenue. While most people and companies pay their taxes, there are others who do not. If everyone pays their taxes properly and on time, more welfare measures can be provided to the people,” Siriwardena said.
He called upon all income tax payers to do their duty by the country and pay the taxes without making attempts at tax evasion.
