The Department of Pensions has announced that it will begin distributing a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners, starting today, October 16. This decision follows directives from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who addressed the delays in disbursing the allowance by instructing that the necessary funds be released from the Treasury.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Treasury has allocated Rs. 2,021 million for this initiative, which will benefit approximately 679,960 pensioners this month. The head office of the Department of Pensions is set to credit the allowances directly to the pensioners’ accounts today.
Pensioners receiving their payments through public and private banks will see the funds reflected in their accounts today. However, those receiving pensions from post offices and sub-offices will be able to access their interim allowance starting October 18.
The introduction of this interim allowance follows Public Administration Circular No. 02/2024, issued on August 24, 2024, which initially called for the allowance. The funding delay has now been resolved, allowing for the timely distribution of this financial support to pensioners.