Anomalies in the Retiring Age of Plantation Employees
View(s):There are three categories of employees in the plantation sector – executives, staff and workers. Out of these categories the retiring age of staff and workers is 60 years. However, the most important category – executives have to retire at the age of 55.The government circular dated 15th January 2013 issued through the Treasury has increased the official retiring age of all employees to 60 years which is adhered to by SLSPC, JEDB, Kurunegala, Chilaw, NLDB, and Elkaduwa plantation companies. But privately managed regional plantation companies have conveniently ignored the government circular and continue to maintain 55 as the retirement age for executives only, while allowing the staff and workers to continue up to 60.
Before privatisation, these executives were in the Government sector which would have enabled them to work till 60 years. However, due to the Government decision to privatise, they have become victims and have to retire at a younger age depriving the plantation sector of the much needed experience they have. This has also resulted in the executives becoming junior to staff and workers which have an adverse effect on the administration of plantations.
Additionally, it will create a vacuum of experienced executives to manage these plantations. The services of the executives should have been secured up to the age of 60 as they are required to manage these plantations to produce profits and contribute to the economy. Therefore it is kindly requested that the Government intervene and instruct these privately managed companies to adhere to the government circular and continue employment of executives up to 60 years without continuing the discrimination against them.
Ajantha Moonamalle
President – Ceylon
Planters Society