Oct 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) says that the government should increase salaries of the working people by at least Rs. 10,000.

UNP parliamentarian Joseph Michael Perera said the government should take steps to grant the salary increment in the 2013 budget.

He made these statements following discussions with several trade unions to demand for a salary increase in line with the cost of living.

He observed that the demand for a salary increase is based on the right to live.

Perera also called on other trade unions to support the struggle to win a Rs. 10,000 salary increase saying they would have to take to the streets if the government fails to address the needs of the working people.

Meanwhile, the Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) affiliated National Trade Union Center (NTUC) has commenced a campaign demanding a salary increase of Rs. 13,442.50 for the public sector in the 2013 budget.