Efficient service envisaged under one roof:

EPF and ETF dues to be paid promptly

Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The Employees’ Trust Fund Board (ETFB) will lay the foundation next month for a modern office complex in Narahenpita that will enable to simplify and speed up the procedure of remitting funds to employees.

The new ETFB office will be constructed jointly by the Ministry of Labour and the ETFB. The building will be completed by end 2010.

Additional General Manager, ETFB, Mangala Gunaratne said Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and ETF services will be provided under one roof at the new office complex through an employee friendly approach. Employees have to face many procedural difficulties and wait for over a month to obtain their dues. Simplification of the procedure and an effective system to disburse funds have been a long felt need.

“With the installation of the online system and expanding the regional office network will enable the staff to provide an effective service and disburse money within a shorter period”, Gunaratne said.

The ETFB has 16 regional offices and plans are afoot to set up more offices in the Northern and Eastern provinces with the first office to be opened in Trincomalee shortly. “The ETFB has tied up with the Bank of Ceylon and Commercial Bank to provide online services to remit funds.

The Board plans to provide the service through the People’s Bank”, as well he said.

The ETFB investment portfolio last year was Rs. 8.3 billion compared to Rs. 7.3 billion in the previous year which is an increase of 15 percent.

The earning from surcharges last year increased to Rs. 150 million from Rs. 123 million.

The ETFB was set up under Act No. 46 of 1980 and commenced operations in March 1981.