Pension rise for servicemen

Irangika RANGE, Sandasen MARASINGHE and Disna MUDALIGE

Pensoins of Officers and other ranks in the three Armed Forces have been increased to 85 percent from the earlier 65 percent, Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament yesterday.

"This amount was 65 percent earlier". The Minister said that the circular in this regard was released on July 16, 2010.

This increment was granted in accordance with the promise made in the Mahinda Chinthanaya policy. The due increment comes into effect with the date of its issue and the relevant arrears would also be paid by the end of this year, he said. The Minister was responding to a question raised by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera.