Rs. 200 Daily Allowance Turns Into Political Flashpoint

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government’s proposal to grant a Rs. 200 daily attendance allowance for estate workers has ignited a fierce political battle, with leading Opposition parties voicing strong objections and plantation communities responding with visible anger.

Opposition lawmakers argue the measure is a misuse of public funds. SJB MP Rohini Kavirathna has lodged formal complaints with the Bribery Commission, Auditor General, and National Procurement Commission, questioning the legality and sustainability of the allowance. 

At a public meeting in Welimada, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara accused the government of spreading “false propaganda” and claimed his party has done more for estate communities than any other.

“We gave citizenship, land, housing, and education to plantation families. Don’t mislead the people,” Madduma Bandara said.

Meanwhile, SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa also criticized the proposal, while party General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam suggested expanding the benefit beyond estate workers to all low-income groups, including apparel workers and supermarket staff.

“This should not be for a selected group. If wages are increased, it must apply to all low-paid sectors,” Kariyawasam emphasized.

Amid political wrangling, estate workers have staged ritual protests and demonstrations, breaking coconuts at kovils and chanting vows against those opposing the allowance. In Nuwara Eliya, communities celebrated the government’s move with thanksgiving ceremonies, praising President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for standing by them.

“We’ve suffered for years. This is a big thing for us. Don’t try to take it away,” said one worker.

NPP MP Nandana Padmakumara accused rival parties of hypocrisy, claiming they initially opposed the allowance but are now backtracking under public pressure.

“They’re trying to mislead the people with false narratives and nationalism. Don’t fall for it,” he warned.

The Rs. 200 allowance, proposed in the national budget, has become a flashpoint in Sri Lanka’s political discourse—pitting promises of social welfare against accusations of populism and fiscal irresponsibility.