President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Ministry of Finance to take necessary steps to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners, starting next week, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Following a review of the delay in including the Rs. 3,000 allowance with the October pension payments, the President ordered that the amount be credited to pensioners’ accounts within the next week.
These directives were issued during a meeting held yesterday (October 10) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Dissanayake, and attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the PMD reported.
Although Public Administration Department Circular No. 02/2024, dated August 24, 2024, had authorized the provision of a Rs. 3,000 interim allowance to all pensioners, no funds were initially allocated for this purpose.
After reviewing the situation, President Dissanayake instructed Ministry of Finance officials to ensure the required funds are made available.
In light of the financial difficulties faced by pensioners due to the non-payment of the Rs. 3,000 allowance with their October pensions, and following their requests for relief, the President decided to proceed with the payment this month despite the government’s financial challenges.
Since the October pensions have already been credited, the President has directed that the Rs. 3,000 allowance be credited separately within the next week. Starting next month, this allowance will be included with the regular monthly pension payments.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, and several senior officials were present at the meeting.
— PMD
