The Department of Pensions commenced its duties for the new year, 2025, today (January 1, 2025), in line with the 'Clean Sri Lanka' program, jointly implemented by the Presidential Task Force and the Presidential Secretariat.
The departmental officers commenced their duties for the new year by taking the oath of public service, hoisting the national flag and the pension flag, and remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The day began with religious rituals, including a Pirith chanting ceremony.
Afterward, the Additional Director General of Pensions, Mrs. Sujani Pettawadu, addressed the officers of the Department of Pensions. She expressed her gratitude to the staff at the Department's Head Office and Divisional Secretariats across the island for their tireless efforts in 2024, overcoming various challenges to ensure timely pension payments to retirees and their heirs. She also extended her best wishes for the New Year.
During 2024, the Department of Pensions activated 43,472 new pension benefits, including those for civil servants, armed forces personnel, and widows and orphans. She also urged all officers to approach the pension activation process for retirees scheduled to retire from public service in 2025, as well as every retirement file, with compassion.
The 'Clean Sri Lanka' citizenship pledge was also administered in conjunction with the live broadcast of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' national program held at the Presidential Secretariat.