Cabinet Approves Daily Incentive Allowance for Estate Workers 📈

The Cabinet of Ministers has finalized the implementation framework for the estate sector wage hike proposed in the 2026 Budget, ensuring a fair daily wage for workers. • New Wage Structure: The daily wage for estate workers is set at Rs. 1,550, supplemented by a daily attendance incentive of Rs. 200. • Funding & Allocation: A total of Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated within the 2026 Budget to facilitate this payment. • Implementation Timeline: • Phase 1: For the first six months starting 1 January 2026, the allowance will be distributed via respective plantation companies. • Phase 2: Following the initial period, payments will be credited directly to the personal bank accounts of the workers. • Economic Context: This move targets the tea and rubber sectors, aiming to improve living standards and labor stability within these critical export-earning industries.