News

Rs. 3,000 allowance released to all pensioners from today

Published

9 months ago

October 16, 2024

editor

Pensioners receiving their pensions through post offices and sub offices will be able to access their funds from Oct. 18th.

The Department of Pensions is set to distribute a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners starting today (Oct. 16).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who looked into the delays in disbursing the proposed monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 for pensioners, has recently directed that the necessary funds be released from the Treasury.

In line with these directives, the Treasury has allocated the required amount to the Department of Pensions, which will begin crediting the allowances to pensioners’ accounts today.

Although Public Administration Circular No. 02/2024, issued on 24th August 2024, called for the monthly interim allowance, funding had not been allocated.

Following a Cabinet meeting on the 14th, the Treasury Operations Department has provided an allocation of Rs. 2,021 million for 679,960 pensioners this month.

As a result, the head office of the Department of Pensions will begin disbursing this allowance starting today (16).

Funds have been credited to the bank accounts of pensioners receiving pensions from public and private banks today, while those receiving pensions from post offices and sub offices will be able to access their allowance from 18th October.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.