Cabinet directs Legal Draftsman to prepare Bill to amend Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Scheme Act

Saturday, 15 August 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved instructing the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act, No. 23 of 1990 to better address the current needs of the fishing community and strengthen benefits for contributing fishermen.

The need to update the Act was identified to align the scheme with contemporary requirements and improve social security, particularly for fishermen in their later years.

Accordingly, the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry Secretary appointed a committee of officials to examine the legislation and recommend necessary amendments. The committee proposed revisions aimed at enhancing pension benefits and strengthening social security provisions for fishermen in old age.

“Based on these recommendations, the Cabinet approved to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the Act,” Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.

He said the proposed amendments are intended to establish an updated framework for the pension and social security scheme, with the recommended changes to be incorporated into the draft legislation.