Saraswathi pension scheme for artistes
Anuradha Kodagoda
A pension scheme for artistes who have dedicated their lives for the
progress of the arts called �Saraswathi� is to be introduced.
A ceremony for awarding the �Saraswathi Pension Scheme� will be held
on October 21 at the Cultural Affairs Ministry with the participation of
cultural and Natural Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana and
Cultural Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake.
The Cultural and National Heritage Minister plans to introduce this
scheme in appreciation of their work and to protect them when they are
in retirement.
This has been done after carefully identifying their needs and
economic difficulties. The selection criteria will be determined by the
Provincial Secretaries of each Province. With the recommendation of the
Provincial Secretaries the �Saraswathi� Pension Scheme will be awarded
for artistes starting at the age limit from 60 years and above.
The minimum monthly amount to be paid is Rs. 3000 and the maximum
amount is Rs. 8000 and the amount of entitlement will be considered
according to the age limits.
The �Saraswathi� Pesion Scheme is not formulated with any
contribution from the artiste which is the specialty of the scheme.
Artistes who are entitled for the �Saraswathi� Pension scheme will
receive the pension during their lifetime from the date they completed
60 years and it will transfer to the spouse after the death of the
artiste.
Up to now 81 applications were selected from among 1000 applications
received for the Scheme. |
