The retirement age of Government workers has been revised and reduced to 57 years, along with conditions which have been announced by the Ministry of Finance. This announcement was made by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S R Attygalle today (15). The statement mentions that the retirement age that was previously 60 has now been brought down to 57 years, but individuals who would like to continue their service within the Government sector would have to appeal for an extension of 5 years, which would be 62 years at retirement. Further, for those who have requested the extension of 5 years, but in between feel that they would like to retire, they are welcome to retire by tendering their resignation letters with a 3 month notice period. Additionally, those who by the age of 57 years are physically unable to work but have applied for the extension, the head of department would have to evaluate and decide whether or not the employee is able to continue the tenure. If, in case, the employee is not able to work, the relevant department head would have to inform the employee and a maximum period of 6 months would be given as an extension for work. Accordingly, the statement also mentions that the rules of the Operation Manual of the State Owned Enterprises as per annexure 3.4 would apply to all state employees, and the gazette which was issued on the 15th of January 2013 pertaining to the retirement age of state employees would be revoked.