President Mahinda Rajapaksa after meeting members of 50 Trade Unions yesterday at Temple Trees directed officials to grant an interim allowance of Rs. 1000 to the public sector with effect from July 2008.

President Rajapaksa at the gathering said that the Unions should consider the current economic constraints when making demands. "The government appreciating the service rendered by the public sector employees and decided to grant this allowance amid difficulties," President added.

This additional allowance would cost the government Rs. 700 million.