September 02, Colombo (LNW): A large group of retired public servants gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, calling on the government to rectify long-standing disparities in their pension payments.
The demonstrators, many of whom had travelled from various parts of the country, included former members of the armed forces, police, and civil service.
Their core demand centred on the revision of pension disbursements that they claim were unjustly reduced during the period between 2020 and 2024, when Sri Lanka faced overlapping crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe economic downturn.
Protesters voiced their frustration over what they described as an enduring injustice, alleging that their current pensions do not reflect the rates that have since been adjusted for newly retiring public servants.
They argue that while recent retirees benefit from increased payment scales, many long-serving pensioners remain locked into outdated and lower amounts—despite years of dedicated service to the state.
Placards and banners held aloft during the demonstration conveyed messages of discontent, with many retirees stating they were finding it increasingly difficult to manage rising living costs, especially in the wake of inflation and ongoing financial pressures. For some, the issue was not only economic but deeply personal—a matter of dignity, fairness, and recognition.
Following the protest, a small delegation representing the demonstrators was granted entry to the Presidential Secretariat for a closed-door meeting with officials.
Photo Courtesy: Ajith Senevirathne
