The payment of a minimum monthly wage or daily wage to all workers in any private sector industry or service in Sri Lanka was made mandatory and given statutory effect by the passing of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act No. 03 of 2016.
With the recent passing of the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No.48 of 2024, the national minimum monthly wage payable to a worker increased from Rs.12,500 to Rs.17,500/- and the national minimum daily wage payable increased from Rs. 500 to Rs.700/-.
Accordingly, the minimum computation of earnings of any employee should be as follows:
| Relevant Law | Monthly Wage (LKR) | Daily Wage (LKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wages Act | 17,500.00 | 700.00 |
| Budgetary Relief 2005 | 1,000.00 | 40.00 |
| Budgetary Relief 2016 | 2500.00 | 100.00 |
| Total Earnings | 21,000.00 | 840.00 |