The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Defence:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Upon receipt of required documents from the relevant Divisional Secretariats, applications are completed and promptly forwarded by the Pay and Records Directorate to the Department of Pensions. Delays identified include: - Time taken by dependents to complete and submit documents. - In cases of multiple marriages, time taken to verify the legally wedded spouse via several Divisional Secretariats. - Delay in issuance of death certificates when a court inquest is required. - Processing time at the Department of Pensions.

¶ 03 Where policy decisions are required, this Ministry coordinates with the Ministry of Public Administration, the Department of Pensions and the Attorney General’s Department to resolve matters expeditiously. Senior officials engage with these institutions to reach quick solutions. Additionally, the tri-forces, via the unit in which the member served, provide assistance and guidance to resolve individual legal/other issues.

¶ 04 (ii)–(v) In respect of members who left service due to disability and married thereafter, upon their death, the dependents are entitled: - Up to the date the deceased member would have reached age 55, dependents receive benefits as if the member were alive. - Thereafter, the same amount continues as a fixed monthly allowance for the lifetime of the dependent.

¶ 05 To enable payment of Widows’/Orphans’ Pensions to dependents of members who married after discharge due to disability stemming from terrorist activities, the Ministry of Defence, together with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, has prepared a joint Cabinet Memorandum to amend regulations under the Widows’ and Orphans’ (Armed Forces) Pension Scheme Act, No. 18 of 1970. Following Cabinet approval, entitlements will be granted accordingly. Not applicable otherwise.

¶ 06 (b) (i)–(iv) Not applicable.

¶ 07 (c) Not applicable.