As of September 2024, the total number of active government pensioners in Sri Lanka stands at 717,347, according to the Department of Pensions. These pensioners include 392,966 civil service pensioners, 187,913 widows and orphans fund pensioners, and 136,468 retired military personnel. Over the first nine months of the year, the total expenditure for pensions amounted to around LKR 254 billion (Rs. 253,631 million).
Pensioners by District
The district with the highest number of pensioners is Gampaha, with 90,791 pensioners. Colombo follows closely with 89,601 pensioners, and Kurunegala ranks third with 70,408. The Kandy district ranks fourth, having 62,740 pensioners, while Kalutara stands fifth with 46,382. The district with the lowest number of pensioners is Mullaitivu, with only 1,281 pensioners.
| District | No. of Pensioners |
|---|---|
| Gampaha | 90,791 |
| Colombo | 89,601 |
| Kurunegala | 70,408 |
| Kandy | 62,740 |
| Kalutara | 46,382 |
| Mullaitivu | 1,281 |
2025 Pension Estimates
The estimated pension expenditure for 2025 is as follows:
- LKR 317,000 million for civil pensions
- LKR 77,000 million for widows and orphans pensions
- LKR 47,000 million for gratuity payments
- LKR 49,305 million for social welfare
- LKR 500 million for railway passes
- LKR 35 million for additional pension payments
– Chetana Gomes
