National minimum wage in the private sector to increase from January 01, 2026

The national minimum wage for private sector employees is scheduled to be increased from January 01, 2026, according to the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2025.

Commissioner General of Labour, Mr. H. M. D. N. K. Wataliyadde, announced that the minimum monthly wage for a private sector employee will increase from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000. Accordingly, the minimum daily wage will increase from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,200.

This legislation also applies equally to workers employed through intermediaries or contractors. The responsibility for ensuring these payments rests with both the immediate employer and the principal employer. Employers must calculate statutory payments, including Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Employee Trust Fund (ETF), overtime allowances, gratuities, maternity benefits, and holiday pay, according to the new salary scale.

Employees can lodge complaints against employers who do not comply with the relevant regulations. This can be done through the Department of Labour's complaint management system at cms.labourdept.gov.lk or by submitting a written complaint to the nearest labour office.