2026-02-17 / Debate: Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading and Committee Stage 2026-02-17
## Summary
Minister Paulraj spoke in support of the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill, framing it as the fulfillment of a central electoral promise to end MPs' pension entitlements. She argued that the existing scheme, rooted in the 1977 No. 1 Act and its subsequent amendments, had expanded well beyond its original scope to become a hereditary benefit covering spouses and future generations, and that elected representatives serving five-year terms have no legitimate claim to such entitlements. The Minister cited a range of government achievements over the preceding eighteen months — including housing construction, plantation wage increases, public sector recruitment, reallocation of the Presidential Fund toward children's welfare, and improvements to transport and health services — as evidence of a broader shift in political culture. She rejected proposed amendments to retain or extend pension benefits and dismissed Opposition arguments as motivated by divisiveness, concluding that the Government would proceed with abolition as a demonstration of democratic accountability.
Mr. Presiding Member, today we debate the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill. I believe we are honouring a central promise we made to the people — to abolish MPs’ pensions.
Two camps have emerged in this debate. One says abolition is revenge or unfair. We say: those elected by the people for five years do not need a special pension scheme. Looking back at the 1977 No. 1 Act and each amendment since, it is clear the scheme was not crafted for destitute, ailing former Members but was repeatedly broadened to cover spouses and even to secure benefits across generations. That is what we are abolishing today — a hereditary, family-enriching entitlement.
This is not targeted at individuals. It is the political example we promised — a change in political culture we are ourselves embodying. In one and a half years, we have started building houses for those who lost homes, including for families in Kabaragala, Badulla District, affected by the 2023 landslide. Across every district and DS division, low-income families are receiving housing.
We have increased plantation wages and the salaries and pensions of public servants. Nearly 39,000 have been recruited to the forces. The President set the first example — foregoing his own benefits and cutting those of former Presidents. The Presidential Fund that financed elite overseas medical care for VIPs is now being used for children’s and ordinary people’s needs.
Transport services have been expanded; health services improved. We provide vehicles for transporting hostel students and Rs. 5,000 per month to each such student. Children leaving State care at 18 now receive Rs. 2 million to build a home. These are the achievements of the past eighteen months.
As Government MPs, we are united in fulfilling the promises we made. The Opposition has no agenda beyond racism, religious bigotry and division — pricking here and there to inflame. However much they push in that direction, our greatest political strength is to stand as Sri Lankans. The National People’s Power — our 159 MPs and the President — will not be trapped by racist labels.
The IMF’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, recently noted our growth is projected at 5 percent, inflation brought below 2 percent, reserves and revenue exceeding expectations. On corruption indices too, Sri Lanka has climbed 14 places. These are achievements.
To our Members, remember: our supreme purpose as elected representatives is to serve the people. Some may claim a pension is needed for their comfort and seek to extend it to heirs through amendments. We reject that. The people’s trust, respect and protection come from the people — not from pensions. We will abolish this law as we promised the people. This is democracy and a Government that keeps its word. Thank you.