Over 21,600 pensioners are septuagenarians

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

The latest records of the Pensions Department reveal that around 21,600 pensioners are above 75 years of age.

Of them about 6,800 pensioners are now living abroad and 4,000 draw their pensions from the banks while 2,800 pensioners draw their pensions from the embassies.

"Most pensioners who live abroad have not informed the Department of Pensions of their whereabouts resulting in a number of disputes. Pensioners who go abroad for more than six months should inform the Department which is a compulsory requirement as per the latest rules and regulations, said the Divisional Secretary W.E. Jayathilake, for Bingiriya at a meeting of Government. Pensioners of the Kurunegala District.