The Sri Lankan government is unable to accommodate additional financial allocations to resolve issues concerning state sector salaries and other discrepancies across government bodies, Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena said.

He said that political parties aspiring to come to state power will be obliged to adhere to the agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Minister Bandula Gunawardena said parties aspiring to assume state power must inform the country if they are abiding by the agreements outlined by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Finance Minister.

He further emphasized that there is no alternative for the future budget of the country, even if pursued without expecting international cooperation.

The Minister made these comments addressing a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre on Monday.

The following are three key factors outlined in Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s statement;

• State salary issues –

Several political parties have initiated protests and strikes. Consequently, a committee comprising the Secretary to the President and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance has been established to address issues concerning salaries, including discrepancies across government departments, corporations, and statutory bodies.

The cabinet has also made a decision to propose solutions and incorporate them into the 2025 budget document.

• Budget 2024 –