The sum of money pensioners receive once a month from the government is so meagre that it evaporates in a week.
The Minister of Public Administration should rectify matters and retain the pension payments structure of 2006. As a former public servant, the Minister should be able to sympathise with the plight of the country’s pensioners.
If the salaries of Ministers and Members of Parliament can be substantially increased to meet the higher cost of living, then pensioners too should have their monthly payments increased proportionately. We too have to cope with the rising cost of living. A kilo of rice in 2006 was Rs. 27; today it is Rs. 62. All consumer items have gone up in price by 100 per cent.
A few pensioners draw double pensions, and they have a comfortable life. Some even go on holidays with their pension allowance, but the majority are in dire straits.
R. H. Perera,
Matara |
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