Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows:

¶ 02 01. In providing this answer, a clarification is necessary regarding any pension disparity among public officers who retired between 01.01.2020 and 31.12.2024.

¶ 03 When our Government assumed office, pensioners fell into several groups based on the salary revision implemented in 2016, and the pension drawn based on the applicable salary on: - 01.01.2017 - 01.01.2018 - 01.01.2019 - 01.01.2020

¶ 04 We observed that a disparity in pensions existed among all pensioners and remained unresolved since 2017. The Government decided, under the 2025 Budget proposals, to eliminate this pension disparity.

¶ 05 Accordingly, the Government decided to revise the pension of all those who retired before 01.01.2020 to the salary applicable on 01.01.2020 under the 2016 salary revision. This will be implemented in three phases: - Revision to the level of the 01.01.2018 salary with effect from 01.07.2025; - Revision to the level of the 01.01.2019 salary with effect from 01.07.2026; and - Revision to the level of the 01.01.2020 salary with effect from 01.07.2027.

¶ 06 After these revisions, all who retired on or before 31.12.2024 will receive pensions based on the salary applicable on 01.01.2020 under the 2016 salary revision.

¶ 07 Those who retired during 2020–2024—the focus of this question—are already drawing pensions based on the 01.01.2020 salary under the 2016 revision. After completing the above three phases by 01.07.2027, all who retired on or before 31.12.2024 will be on pensions aligned to the 01.01.2020 salary. Therefore, as of now, there is no disparity between those who retired on or before 01.01.2020 and those who retired during 2020–2024.

¶ 08 Next, we consider whether the 2025 public service salary increase affects pensions of those who retired during 2020–2024. That salary increase applies only to those in service on 01.01.2025 and retiring thereafter. Although phased, pensions for those retiring within that period are computed on the full increased salary applicable to them, which is standard practice and should not be interpreted as a disparity.

¶ 09 Nevertheless, as a Government attentive to pensioners’ issues, we are already discussing with the Ministry of Public Administration whether any perceived inequity for 2020–2024 retirees can be addressed in the 2026 Budget.

¶ 10 02. There is no currently identified “disparity-affected” subgroup within 2020–2024. However, the pensioner numbers are: Civil pensioners 104,354; Armed Forces pensioners 42,002; Widows/Widowers and orphans 9,260; Total 155,616.

¶ 11 03. Not applicable, as no disparity is recognized at present; we are exploring general relief measures.

¶ 12 04. As stated, the historical pension disparity has been addressed through the phased alignment to the 01.01.2020 salary. Presently there is no such disparity; we are considering general relief for pensioners.

¶ 13 05. The answer above applies.

¶ 14 Thank you, Hon. Speaker.