The issue of Circular no. 06/200 under the above heading in February 2004 by the director of pensions was notified in the newspapers in March 2004. The expressed objective was to bring the pensions of those who retired before 31/12/1996 on par with those who retired on 31/12/1996.

Some pensioners, particularly teachers, derive substantial benefits from this circular. This is perhaps due to the revision of teachers’ salaries just before 31/12/1996. It is recalled that the salaries of teachers were revised more than once when a teacher (Richard Pathirana) was appointed as Minister of Education. It is understood that pensions of teachers are increased by amounts ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 a month. If this is so, it is unfair and discriminatory in relation to other public servants, some of whom do not receive any increase in their pension. Most other categories of public servants receive increases of less than Rs. 1,000 or so.

While there is no objection to the benefits derived by teachers, other retired public servants should also be treated equally because they, too, have to survive under difficult and trying circumstances.

It is believed that this anomaly could be rectified to some extent by bringing pensions on par as at 01/01/1997 instead of 31/12/1996. This is because salaries of public servants were revised on 01/01/1997.

The director of pensions is requested to make this recommendation to the government for implementation with effect from 01/01/2004. It is hoped that associations representing pensioners take this up.