Sorry, we 90-year-old pensioners have no time for waiting games

Pensioner Mr. Abeywickrema (Sunday Times, January 20) describes the shocking plight of pensioners who are deprived of their legitimate entitlement after giving years of dedicated service to the country.

As he pointed out, the salaries and allowances of Parliamentarians, including the Head of State, were increased and prompt action taken to pay the increased amounts along with arrears.

Consequent to the salary revision for public servants, the pensions of pre-2006 pensioners were also revised and payments made accordingly. At a gathering of pensioners at Temple Trees, the President promised to rectify the pension anomaly of the pre-2006 pensioners.

I am 90 years old, and there are pensioners like myself who are trying to survive with the paltry pensions we get. Much of the little money we get goes on medicines and milk foods, which are expensive.

The revenue that would go to pay out pensions after making the pension anomaly adjustment is trifling compared to the heavy losses the Government has incurred as a result of hedging, investing in Greek bonds, purchasing sub-standard fuel, and the wasting of fabulous sums on Mihinair.

I appeal to the President to place pensioners on a new pension scale after adjusting the anomalies and to pay our arrears as soon as possible. R. M. L. Ratnayeke

Matale