The pensioners in Sri Lanka, a very significant segment of its population have been spending the twilight of their lives in frustration with no recognition being given to the invaluable services rendered by them to their motherland.

On 8.10.2008 at a meeting of the general membership of the constituent members of the Sri Lanka State Banks’ Pensioners’ Federation held at New Town Hall, Colombo, a resolution was passed unanimously calling upon the government to declare the 8th of October National Pensioners’ Day.

The 8th of October had for some time been celebrated as Pensioners’ Day, but up to that time it had not been officially declared as such by the Government. We are therefore most grateful to His Excellency the President, and the Government for the recent official declaration of the 8th of October as National Pensioners’ Day.

Although the declaration of a National Pensioners’ Day has given immense satisfaction to pensioners, there does not exist at present an effective mechanism for addressing issues concerning the welfare of pensioners, and for taking meaningful and timely action regarding such issues.

We have therefore submitted our request to His Excellency the President to consider the setting up of a Permanent Commission to look in to the welfare of pensioners on a continuing basis, and to which pensioners and their respective organisations could make representations.

We are confident that in keeping with the Government’s policy of supporting the weaker sections in society His Excellency the President would consider our request favourably and would ensure it’s early implementation