2026-02-17 / Debate: Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading and Committee Stage 2026-02-17
## Summary
Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne spoke in support of a Bill to abolish the parliamentary pension scheme, framing it as the fulfilment of an electoral mandate rather than political revenge against the Opposition. He argued that the ruling party's 159 MPs, including those already eligible for pensions, are voluntarily foregoing their own entitlements, and cited additional benefit reductions — including presidential perks, multi-post allowances, and MP insurance coverage — as evidence of a broader commitment to reducing parliamentary privilege. Drawing on the ideological heritage of the party's founder Rohana Wijeweera, he characterised these measures as consistent with a political culture of self-sacrifice and collective purpose. He acknowledged the government is only in its second year of a five-year mandate and indicated that former members facing genuine hardship may apply to the Government for support on a case-by-case basis.
Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we debate a very important Bill. The Opposition has spoken with great grief about losing pensions. I have served six years in Parliament and would have been entitled to a pension. But we never used such benefits personally; our salaries and pensions went to our common fund.
This political movement was built on sacrifice. Our founder, Rohana Wijeweera, began at age 21, walking with companions, often hungry, enduring hardship to build a people’s movement — not backed by great families, but by ordinary people who put collective goals ahead of personal interests. We learned to dedicate even our lives for the public good. Against that backdrop, what is a pension?
Some call this revenge. Against whom? If this Bill had not come, the very 159 Government MPs today — including those who already qualify — would receive pensions. In passing this Bill, we are foregoing our own entitlements. That is not revenge. This is the fruition of a political idea planted in May 1965, now endorsed by the people, who gave us a mandate to abolish the MPs’ pension scheme.
You accuse us of not fulfilling promises; here we are fulfilling one. The President led by example — cutting the extensive benefits of sitting and former Presidents, and foregoing his own. Our 159 MPs have also given up those perks. Previously, someone holding five posts drew five allowances, vehicles, staff and perks. No longer: one limit, however many posts. Insurance for MPs has been slashed — previously Rs. 2.5 million for an accidental death by elephant attack is now Rs. 1 million, while the maximum benefit for families has been rationalized. We have reduced wasteful perks while increasing pensions and salaries of public servants, and raising plantation wages.
It has been barely a year. We have a five-year mandate. Do not demand that what is due in the fifth year be done in the second. Independent surveys show we are advancing beyond last year — the people see it. Our pledge is to create a new political culture and overturn the rotten, stinking old one. That is what we are doing today — not to hurt anyone, not to take revenge, but to keep our word to the people.
If any former Member is truly unable to live, as Minister Samantha Vidyaratne stated, they can apply and the Government can consider support. Thank you.