From January 2007, pensioners will have to forward a certificate from a recognised institution or authority testifying that they are still alive, Pensions Director General K. A. Thilakaratne said at a press conference yesterday.

Thilakaratne said that pensioners must get this certification once a year. The department had taken the decision following investigations that pensions are received by the kith and kin of dead pensioners.

Grama Sevakas have been requested to keep the departments informed of deaths.

Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary, Dharmasiri Dissanayake said that they are in the process of setting up a data bank to categorize pensioners by different age groups.

Meanwhile, plans are afoot deliver give pensions through the three State Banks; National Savings Bank, Peoples’ Bank and the Bank of Ceylon.

Dissanayake said that pensioners need not fear about the new system payments as they will be getting the same amount. If there are any amendments, they would be immediately informed.

He also said that the cost of living allowance of rupees 687.50 will be increased to rupees 875.00 from January next year. "This increment was done according to the 2007 budget proposals," he further said.