Special pension scheme for senior citizens

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Senior citizens who are over 80 years of age will be entitled for a monthly pension under a special ‘Elders Pension Scheme’ to be launched by the Social Service Ministry commencing from next year.

The Cabinet approval in this regard has already been obtained by the Ministry.

Social service Minister Felix Perera said that this is another scheme introduced under the Mahinda Chintana concept for the benefit of people in the country. The special pension will not be paid to those who are already receiving pensions from the government or any other organisation.

The details of the scheme will be notified in due course through their respective Divisional Secretariats. The Minister said a fixed amount will be paid and added that the amount has not yet been finalised.