Parliament debate welfare of Grama Seva niladaris

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The parliamentary session commenced today at 9.30 am. Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa voiced issues pertaining to the Grama Seva niladaris. Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that Grama Seva niladari is the closest institute to the public and it is absolutely necessary to sort out issues they face in order to fully employ their efforts in public services. Especially in the war on modern drugs. Vajira Abeywardena, Minister of Internal and Home Affairs responding to Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that they are aware of the issues suffered by Grama Seva niladaris and necessary steps are being taken to solve them. He noted that during the Rajapaksa regime, the number of Grama Seva officers was cut down by half and it was them who stood up to them and sought justice. He also noted that the basic salary offered to Grama Sevaka niladaris was Rs. 13,990 in 2014 and it was increased to Rs. 22,000 for Grama Sevaka niladaris in the 3rd grade and they would continue to increase it up to Rs. 28,000 next year(2020). The leader of the JVP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that Vajira Abeywardhena's statement indicated a sense of threat and advised the government not to punish or carry out disciplinary action for their demonstrations as it would lead to more complications. "Clarifying education qualifications could be important" he added. UPFA MP, Dayasiri Jayasekara stressed that it was the first time in the history that the Grama Seva niladaris decided to take the streets.

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