Oct 10, Colombo: The leader of Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) affiliated National Trade Union Center (NTUC), K.D. Lalkantha says that the cost of living issue would be addressed only when the benefits of the production process are vested with the people engaged in the process.

He said that a change in the current economic system would solve the cost of living issue as well as bring an end to the constant salary struggles by the working people.

He noted that there has not been a discussion about the wrong socio-economic system in the country.

"Governments have changed since 1948, but the system has remained the same," he said.

According to Lalkantha, the public and private sector workforce amounts to 7.4 million, who are engaged in a massive production process, but the profits are enjoyed by a few.

"This is the main problem in the current system," he noted.

"The truth is that people would not have to ask for more if they receive what they have truly earned. This would bring about an end to salary struggles," he added. Speaking of the current struggle by the NTUC to win a salary hike, Lalkantha observed that fair demands have always won.