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Education sector pension work to be privatised

by Manjula Fernando

The Education Ministry is contemplating handing over its pension work to the private sector to provide an efficient service to their pensioners.

There is a long wait before a retired person gets his pension. This is a regular and serious complaint I receive on my public days," Education Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku said. The new plan is expected to minimise the waiting time.

The Minister said he was aware of instances of inefficiency in his Ministry. There were reports that certain officials do not acknowledge an urgent letter or an application. In certain instances, a mere acknowledgement takes over eight months.

Many Education officers and teachers still languish, unable to get their pensions, even after two to three years after retirement. "This is pathetic," the Minister said.

"Through this new plan we intend to expedite the pension work and provide a better service to pensioners. The target is to get the pensions ready by three months," he said.

This will initially be implemented as a pilot project in a selected province to leave room for any changes or to revert in case it is unsuccessful.

Over 3,000 teachers and 240 principals retire each year. Under current procedures it takes over six months to process their pensions.

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