The Agriculture and Farmers’ Insurance Board has introduced a fishermen’s pension scheme that provides many special benefits for the fishing community.
Accordingly, after completing the installments on or before the due date, a monthly pension will be received from the age of 60, contributors who have paid 75% of the installments will be able to receive a monthly salary corresponding to the amount paid from the age of 60 without the pension being cancelled, and in cases where contributions between 25%-75% have been paid, the full amount can be received with appropriate interest.
Also, in case of partial disability before receiving pension, the possibility of receiving a gratuity or a monthly pension at the time of payment of pension, in case of permanent disability, the possibility of receiving a gratuity up to a maximum of Rs. 50,000 in one lump sum or in installments, in case of death in an accident before receiving pension, the heir can receive the entire contribution amount after a year with appropriate interest.
In case of missed premium payments, the possibility of re-validating the certificate deed by paying the arrears and interest, in case of death of the contributor while receiving pension, the possibility of receiving monthly pension for the spouse until the age of 80 years as well as the possibility of receiving the remaining amount in one lump sum is also available to the fishing community through this fishing pension system.
This Fishermen’s Pension Scheme was launched recently (22) at the Lotus Tower premises in Colombo under the patronage of Minister Lal Kantha.