Public sector salaries and pensions remain among the most closely watched policy areas due to their impact on government expenditure, workforce management, and public service delivery.
As demands grow for a more efficient and financially sustainable public sector, the government has moved to review existing salary and pension structures.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a 15-member Public Servants’ Salaries and Pensions Commission to examine long-standing salary and pension issues affecting public officers and pensioners and recommend reforms for the future.
The appointment was made through an Extraordinary Gazette notification issued on June 22, 2026, under the powers vested in the President by Article 33 of the Constitution.
Commission to Review Salary and Pension Policies
The Commission has been tasked with proposing sustainable solutions to salary and pension anomalies while considering the country’s public financial management challenges.
According to the Gazette notification, the Commission will review salary structures, allowances, incentives, and pension-related benefits applicable to public sector employees.
The review is expected to provide recommendations that balance employee welfare with fiscal sustainability.
Focus on Public Service Reforms
Beyond salaries and pensions, the Commission has also been assigned a broader mandate to examine structural reforms within the public service.
The review will consider technological developments, international trends, and measures required to improve efficiency, productivity, professionalism, and accountability.
Authorities expect the recommendations to support efforts to build a more modern and citizen-focused public service.
Key Areas Under Review
According to the Gazette notification, the Commission will submit recommendations on:
- Developing sustainable salary and pension policies for public officers and pensioners.
- Proposing structural reforms in line with the Supreme Court judgment dated February 25, 2026, relating to Fundamental Rights Petition No. SC/FR 23/2014 and the relevant Cabinet decision.
- Identifying future requirements arising from technological advancements and global trends.
- Establishing a technologically empowered, citizen-centred, ethical, and accountable public service.
Leadership of the Commission
Thelge Asoka Peiris has been appointed Chairman of the Commission.
D.M.C. Nalaka Dissanayake has been appointed Secretary to the Commission.
- Kuruppuge Khema Anne Vidurya Swarnadhipathi
- Alagiyadura Premalal Abeysingha Gunasekara
- Niyangama Balasooriyage Monty Ranatunge
- Nadaraj Ravichandar
- Randombage Wimal Jayantha
- Gamlath Mohottige Mudith Sujeewa
- Haththasinge Thilakawardhana
- Brigadier (Retd.) Piyal Jude Fernando
- Ahamed Lebbe Mohamed Mukthar
- Senerath Tissa Bandara Ratnayake
- Abeysinghe Weerakoon Lal Chandra Weerakoon
- Gajadeera Arachchi Piyal Pathmanatha
- Jayaweera Pathirana
- Koswinnage Sarath Lal Perera
The Commission consists of 15 members drawn from various professional backgrounds and sectors.
One-Year Timeline for Recommendations
The Commission has been directed to complete its assigned work within one year and submit reports to the President periodically.
The Gazette also requires public officers and relevant institutions to provide information and assistance requested by the Commission during the review process.
In addition, the Commission has been instructed to report any instances where officials or institutions fail to provide the required cooperation.
Last modified: June 23, 2026
