News
Committee on Ways and Means recommends Pensions Dept to devise formula for augmenting pension benefits in line with prevailing COL
The Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means last Wednesday (29) recommended to the Department of Pensions to formulate a compassionate strategy to augment pension benefits in accordance with the prevailing cost of living index, parliament sources said.
Chaired by MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, the committee deliberated on this crucial matter involving various government entities, including the Department of Pensions, National Secretariat for Elders, and representatives from pensioners’ associations.
It was revealed during the meeting that the Department of Pensions administers over 700,000 active pensioners, with some individuals inactive due to ongoing investigations or deceases. Approximately 26,000 retirees, comprising 19,000 from civil services and 7,000 from the armed forces, join the active pensioner roster annually. Unfortunately, about 20,000 retirees are removed from the list due to mortality. The department has earmarked Rs. 413 billion monthly for pensions, with a gratuity equivalent to 24 times the pension for individuals retiring at 55 years, payable over a decade.
The National Secretariat for Elders currently disburses a monthly allowance of 2,000 rupees to low-income earners above 70 years with a monthly income below 6,000 rupees, extending assistance to 733,204 individuals validated by Grama Niladhari certificates. The Committee Chair instructed officials to provide detailed statistics on additions, departures due to decease, and the number of elders on the waiting list for allowances.
A considerable discrepancy in pension benefits emerged between pre-2017 and post-2020 retirees due to incremental salary increases for public servants. The decision to suspend the pension increase in 2020 and subsequent salary raises for teacher principals in 2021 aggravated the disparity. Pensioners lamented that the Rs. 10,000 salary increase in 2024 only led to a meager Rs. 2500 rise in pension, which failed to align with the escalating cost of living, urging for a recalibration of pension increments tied to the cost of living index.
The Agrahara insurance scheme’s benefits, available to post-2016 retirees, sparked calls to extend similar advantages to pre-2016 retirees. Committee Chair MP Ranawaka mandated officials to appoint a Department of Pensions representative for discussions with pensioners’ associations scheduled to be held this week (Dec 15) to address their concerns.
Suggestions were made to incorporate senior citizens’ allowance and disability beneficiaries into the social benefits list, emphasizing the urgency of a digital system to promptly update pensioner deceases for efficient pension disbursements. The committee’s recommendations signal a humanitarian approach to address pension disparities and fortify support for the retired populace.State Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Anuradha Jayaratne, and MPs W. D. J. Seneviratne and Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda were also present.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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