The Pension Department was founded in 1970 as an "A" Grade Department responsible for disbursing pensions to Central Government employees, Provincial Public Services, Armed Forces personnel, and Judicial Officers.
The extensive mandate of the Department of Pensions guarantees social security benefits for a substantial segment of the population. The department administers various forms of pensions, including Pensions, Widow's Pensions, Male Widow's Pensions, Orphan's Pensions, Disabled Orphan's Pension, Military and Armed Services Pensions, compensation, one-time gratuity, death gratuity, and gratuity for government employees.
I regard it as an honor to serve as the Director General of the Pensions Department for nearly eight years during the previous decade, a time marked by the integration of digital technology strategies and communication processes in the pension payment system, encompassing all relevant aspects.
In our pursuit to enhance the utilization of Information Technology within the payment process, we have successfully transitioned numerous phases of the pension payment procedure to an online platform. The ongoing simplification of all benefit payment systems, including pensions, is progressing as planned. This initiative will ensure that the systems can be sustained without interruption to the payment process, even in challenging circumstances.
The government is designating over Rs 435 billion from the national budget for the year 2024. By the 10th of each month, retirement benefits are disbursed to more than 720,000 active retirees, often without an understanding of the intricate payment process involved.
The transformation of the National Pension System presents an ongoing challenge. Even the most influential countries globally are progressing towards sustainable social security frameworks that remain insulated from financial pressures, whether arising from public or private sector involvement.
It is important to remember that we have made efforts to direct the government's focus towards the actions required for the essential reforms needed to align the centuries-old pension system with contemporary realities
We are dedicated to ensuring that retirement is a vibrant and fulfilling phase of life, and I extend my best wishes for a joyful and healthy retirement to the entire retired community of Sri Lanka.
A Jagath D Dias
Director General of the Department of Pensions