OPA At Your Service

Senior citizen

Questions and Answers

Question: I shall be thankful if an answer is given to the following question in the Question and Answers: published by the OPA in the "Daily News" on Thursday.

May I please know the age at which a person is regarded as a Senior Citizen-50, 55 or on reaching the age of 60 years? I am prompted to raise this question as certain private banks have offered an enhanced interest rate on fixed deposits. To senior citizens whom they regard as those who are 50 and above although those between 50 and 57/60 may still be working.

In this connection I would wish to draw your kind attention to the Elders Law No. 9 of 2000.

H. W. Goonesekera - Panadura

Answer: There is no law or an Act defining "Senior Citizen". However some Government departments refer to those above 60 years as Senior Citizens and had been talking of providing certain facilities which has not yet been implemented.

In most other countries 60 years is considered to be the age of a Senior Citizen and special privileges are provided such as free internal travel etc.

In Sri Lanka some banks and certain mobile telephone companies are offering certain privileges as higher interest rate on Savings and deposit accounts, similarly low rental for mobile phones etc.

Why complain when bank's enhanced interest rates for citizens over 50 years (10 years earlier than 60 years).

In fact a certain bank refers to their Account holders over 55 years as "Wonder years Account Holders" and pay not only enhanced interest rates but other privileges as well.

Contribution to EPF and ETF:

Question: I am a retired public servant presently working in an Orphanage in Galle. This is a Government approved charity run by few individuals not registered with Social Service Department.

There are 10 employees attached to this Orphanage. Are we entitled for EPF/ETF benefits? No contributions made by administration (Employer) or employee. If the employer is supposed to make contribution towards EPF/ETF what are we to do?

Your reply on this is very much appreciated.

Nimal Seneweera, Induruwa

Answer: You are working for a Government approved charity though it is not registered with the Department of Social service. is immaterial who your employer is, he or she can be an individual or a group of individuals. According to the Labour Regulations, any one employing (ten) 10 or more employees has to contribute to the EPF and ETF. The fact you are a retired person or your age does not matter.

In fact your employers have to pay all arrears of the EPF and ETF contribution as well as a penalty for not having paid earlier. A penalty on the arrears.

You may talk to your employer about their liability to contribute for the EPF and ETF or you can make a complaint to the nearest Labour Department office.