Govt. spends Rs. 2.8 bn for senior citizens’ allowances

Social Services Minister Felix Perera told Parliament yesterday that the government spent around Rs. 2,800 million annually on a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 for each low income senior citizen aged 70 or above.

The Minister, responding to a question raised by UNP Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa, said plans were afoot to introduce a special health insurance scheme for the benefit of those recipients. “Steps have been taken to pay a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 to senior citizens over 70 years of age from 2012, in line with the last budget proposals. Accordingly, the monthly allowance was being paid to 174,000 senior citizens across the country.

“Our primary responsibility, as a government, is to look after senior citizens who dedicated their lives for the betterment of their children and grandchildren as well as the development of the country.” (SI)

(Courtesy: The Island)