This week’s shocking revelation of a significant salary hike for Central Bank of Sri Lanka employees has stirred widespread criticism. Particularly targeted is Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, who faced backlash for benefiting from the salary increase while transitioning from his role as Deputy Governor at the Central Bank. Siriwardena, who once justified joining the Central Bank in 1992 for its lucrative salaries, found himself at the center of controversy. Amid mounting pressure from political representatives, trade unions, and civil organizations, he opted to step down from his position as Finance Ministry Secretary. In a recent development, he submitted his resignation letter to President Ranil Wickramasinghe, who, after a discussion, urged him to reconsider, emphasizing, “You work for the country and the people, not for anyone. So withdraw this letter of resignation.”