Breaking from tradition, unions table policy-driven 2026 Budget proposals

IN what appears to be a break from the past, a consortium of 13 independent labour unions affiliated to the National Labour Advisory Council have come together for the first time to draft proposals for the 2026 Budget which focuses more on labour policy rather than the usual wish-list for benefits and salary increments.

- By Devan DaNiEL

The proposal was submitted to the Government on 13 October. The 2026 Budget will be presented in Parliament this Friday by President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Disanayake.

"We received an invita tion for a discussion with President to present our proposals but it was cancelled in the last minute and we did not hear from his office again," said Ceylon Bank Employees' Union (CBEU) Deputy Chairman Anupa Nandula.

He said this speaking at a press conference where representatives from the 13 trade unions were present.

“We like to think it’s because the Government agrees with our recommendation which does not ask the Government to spend on benefits or handouts,” he added.

Ceylon Federation of Trade Unions General Secretary Chamindra Perera noted that this was the first time several trade unions had come together to draft proposals for a Budget. “Our focus was purely on labour policy,” he said.

"Since everyone is focused on economic reforms, we felt the need to create proposals that would reform the labour factor market and elevate its importance to that of capital, which is why our 2026 Budget proposals are not about financial benefits but on the policy direction we felt would safeguard the dignity of employees and secure their livelihoods," Perera said.

JSS Convenor Sunil de Silva offered poignant context to the exercise. "People have come to expect benefits in every Budget over the years. This year is no different. The weight of expectation is greater this year because people are struggling to make ends meet after the various measures to improve Government revenue were introduced," de Silva pointed.

"For this reason, the onus in on the Government to clearly set out a policy direction that would ensure labour rights are protected.