Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala,— To ask the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government,— (1)

(a) Will he inform this House whether —

(i) there is a serious discrepancy between the pension of government pensioners who retired before 31.12.2015 and that of those who retired after 31.12.2015;

(ii) steps will be taken to remove the said pension discrepancy;

(iii) he is aware that the cost of living allowance of present government employees is Rs. 17,800 and the cost of living allowance of government pensioners is Rs. 9,025, and that as a result, there is a discrepancy of Rs. 8,775; and

(iv) steps will be taken to remove the said discrepancy?

(b) If not, why?