2026-02-17 / Debate: Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading and Committee Stage 2026-02-17
## Summary
Speaking during the debate on the Parliamentary Pensions Repeal Bill, Hon. Shritharan raised three distinct concerns. First, he placed on record the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Ayubraj Arul by police in Allaipitty on 10 February 2026, calling for justice for the family. Second, he cited the UN Human Rights Office report of 13 January 2026 on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Sri Lanka, demanding a government response to documented abuses occurring between 1983 and 2009, accountability for implicated officials, and measures to address structural barriers—including language barriers, lack of confidentiality, and institutional insensitivity—that prevent survivors from accessing justice. On the pension repeal itself, he argued the Bill disproportionately harms former MPs who resigned prior professional positions to serve in Parliament, and objected to what he characterised as a party decision being imposed through Parliament against the interests of affected individuals, calling for humane transitional provisions for those wholly dependent on the pension.
While we debate the Bill to repeal Parliamentary Pensions, I wish to raise a few matters.
A 17-year-old student from Jaffna, Ayubraj Arul of Vattukottai, was shot dead by Police at around 1.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 10.02.2026, at Allaipitty while traveling in a vehicle. His family has yet to receive justice and they suffer in despair. I place this on record.
Further, on 13 January 2026, the UN Human Rights Office released a report stating that Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) persists in Sri Lanka, and that the Government has not implemented mechanisms to provide justice to victims. No substantive response has been provided by any Minister or responsible official, creating deep distrust.
The report records testimony from about 23 women and men that from 1983 to 2009 sexual violence occurred, with evidence of conflict-related abuses. It notes the widespread, planned, and institutional nature of abuses, the absence of accountability, and that sexual violence was used to threaten, punish, and control conflict-affected populations, including under the guise of “interrogation.”
Although this Government was not in office then, what is its response to investigating these grave crimes against humanity committed from 1983 to 2009, as highlighted by a global human rights body? Why, under ongoing emergency-like practices and continued militarization, have implicated officials not been punished?
The UN High Commissioner’s report also highlights how prolonged timelines, delays, and limited judicial and medical capacity have restricted access to justice. Survivors face language barriers, lack of confidentiality, limited legal/medical support, insensitive institutions, and fear of reprisals, leaving many too afraid or discouraged to pursue justice. Consultations revealed a deep belief that impunity is inevitable, and the justice system appears to many to protect perpetrators rather than deliver justice.
Ministers responsible must ensure justice for conflict-related sexual violence and associated repression. Tamil people await your answer.
On the pensions repeal: this does not affect everyone equally, but I have seen former MPs who are alive and rely on this pension. Unlike in other countries, Sri Lankan MPs must often resign prior positions to enter Parliament, losing their professional pensions too. If you require resignation before entering Parliament, you should allow members to return to their previous employment after their term, or craft provisions to prevent unfair harm.
Please give me two minutes. There are persons, even in the South, who survive solely on this pension. Treat them humanely. An Hon. Minister said, “This is our party’s decision.” Can a party decision be imposed in Parliament against the people’s interests? Forcing a party decision through Parliament is a grave injustice to people and to affected former MPs. They did their duty in their time; the recognition due to them must be fair. This Bill, rushed through, will harm many—especially former MPs dependent on the pension. I record my objection. Thank you.