Sri Lanka’s Parliament has passed a private member’s motion to abolish pensions for members of parliament, marking a significant change in the country’s political landscape. The motion, moved by New Democratic Front MP Ravi Karunanayake, was approved on Wednesday (7).
During the parliamentary debate, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara clarified that the motion would not affect past or current MPs but would apply to those elected for the first time in future parliamentary terms. He emphasized the need for its implementation.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya expressed strong support for the motion, stating that all members of the National People’s Power backed the proposal.
“I was happy when this motion was introduced because it reflects the change the people are demanding,” she said during the debate. However, she noted that some opposition members failed to grasp the significance of the proposal.
The decision to end parliamentary pensions aligns with growing public concerns over political privileges and fiscal responsibility in Sri Lanka.
