The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 As a Government, we would prefer to pay pensioners the same COL as serving officers, but historically pensioners have received a lower COL. For example, by circular of 10 January 2024, the monthly pensioners’ COL was increased from Rs. 3,525 to Rs. 6,025 from April 2024, while serving officers’ COL was increased to Rs. 17,800. If it were possible to pay equally, we would. Serving officers incur work-related expenses such as commuting and attire, which may explain such decisions. Nevertheless, we agree that pensioners should receive a fair pension and COL to live with dignity, and we will take necessary steps in future Budgets. We have also reduced medicine prices significantly, benefiting both serving officers and pensioners.