Social protection a ray of hope for self-employed - PM

Rohan Mathes

Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka asserted that the introduction of the Social Protection and Pension scheme for the self-employed was both opportune, encouraging and a ray of hope to the unemployed in the country.

Presiding at the Awards Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Social Security Board 2006/2007, held under the auspices of the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka lauded the efforts of the District and Divisional Secretaries, officers of the Social Services, Grama Niladari Officers, the Sri Lanka Social Security Board District Co-Ordinating Officers and other Field Officers who had been assessed, based on their contribution to the meritorious programme towards ensuring social security for the deprived segments of the society.

"Protecting and taking care of the aged and the elderly, was a part and parcel of our rich civilisation and culture, prior to the invasion of our land by foreign powers. The need for Homes and Orphanages did not arise as the parents were well looked after by their offspring unconditionally. This extended family system was entwined with our culture.

This assessment of your efforts too is yet another characteristic of our rich culture", he said. However, he said that with the advent of time and the complexities of lifestyles, urbanisation and globalisation, this binding has changed. If they try to bind the two relevant parties legally, the Constitution may oppose it.

He pointed out that the Field Officers were the best group who could make the programme a success by making the masses aware, especially the villagers, by their pragmatic approach to the cause.

The Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda speaking on the past and the future of Social Security, pointed out that although Government officers are expected to perform their duties with commitment and dedication for the well-being of the people, this commitment and dedication should also be identified, respected and also assessed, to achieve the optimum benefits.

The Sri Lanka Social Security Board was established in 1906 to provide social security to self-employed in the informal sector during their old age and disability, and for the provision of relief to their dependants on their demise.

"I am proud to state that as at date, over 250,000 members have joined various pension schemes, out of which 3,741 members are receiving their pensions," he said. The Secretary of the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry V. Jegarasasingam spoke on the importance of Social Protection in the present context.

Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare Lionel Premasiri spoke on Social Protection as envisioned in the Mahinda Chintanaya.