Salary increase can not be justified say trade unionists

The decision was arrived at with the consent by the majority of judges.

Presiding judge Shiranee Thilakawardena requested to issue notice to hear the petition but as the judges Nimal E Dissanayake and Andrew Somawansa objected to the move.

The fundamental rights application was filed by seven public service trade unions including Sri Lanka Railways Trade Union Federation.

State counsellor N.Pulle, who represented the solicitor general bringing a preliminary objection said the salary increase had been done according to the constitution so that the issue could not be debated in the courts.

Presiding judge Shiranee Thilakawardena pointed out that huge increase in ministers' and parliament MPs' salaries could not be allowed as against the salaries of the government servants who are burdened with high cost of living.

State counsellor N.Pulle said though it could not be approved on moral grounds the salary increase was done legally, therefore unquestionable in court.