Is being a dual citizen a crime? Pensions Department, etc., think so

Three years ago, I exposed the absurdity of the Sri Lankan Pensions Department through an article detailing how an elderly pensioner was mistreated. Today, another friend, a retired Sri Lankan professional who worked in the UK for 13 years, is facing blatant harassment under a misguided policy.

- Dr.M.M.Janapriya

Upon his retirement in 2007, he was required to open an Overseas Pensions account at a state bank. At the time, the bank even sent his pension in British pounds to his UK account. Eventually, he stopped transfers abroad and allowed his funds to accumulate in Sri Lanka. For 18 years, he withdrew money, made one-time transfers, and set up standing orders with ease.

That changed abruptly in February 2025. Overnight, his routine transactions were obstructed. Now, even a simple withdrawal requires the approval of particular branch of the bank, often causing unnecessary delays of over an hour. Standing orders and one-time transfers have become impossible, all due to the sudden enforcement of Pensions Circular No. 01-2018.