2026-02-18 / adjournment: Adjournment Motion - Establishment of State Free from Bribery and Corruption 2026-02-18
## Summary
Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna criticized the poor attendance during the parliamentary debate, arguing that despite MPs receiving salaries of approximately Rs. 700,000 per month (inclusive of allowances), only 10–11 members were present in the Chamber, and called for a fingerprint-based attendance system with public disclosure. He questioned the cost of the current motion, estimating it at Rs. 15 million per day, and contrasted this with reports from a parliamentary committee that Anuradhapura Hospital lacked ambulances and had only three vehicles. He also raised concerns about the use of two helicopters, the number of vehicles taken by Ministers, and circulating allegations regarding the Speaker's fuel allowances, while questioning the capability of elected members to contribute meaningfully to national rebuilding. Several portions of his remarks were expunged on the order of the Chair.
I regret that we are debating this motion in such circumstances. As an MP, my salary is Rs. 400,000 plus office staff allowances, bringing it to around Rs. 700,000. But look at attendance—how many Government and Opposition MPs are actually present? If we speak of corruption, institute a fingerprint attendance system and publish it. Let us see how many NPP MPs come. Do not shout.
[Expunged on the order of the Chair.]
Were there two helicopters used? Why two—so you can jump from one to the other if there’s a problem?
[Expunged on the order of the Chair.]
Shame—Prime Ministers are seated here, yet their members keep shouting. You claimed you travel by bus. One of you, raise your hand and say you have even one charge of corruption against you.
You spend Rs. 15 million a day to bring such a motion here, but only 10 or 11 MPs sit in the Chamber, two in the front row. Do not shout.
Another point: today, in a committee of Parliament, the Deputy Director of Anuradhapura Hospital was in tears stating they have only three vehicles—a cab, a lorry and a van—with no ambulance. Yet your members ask for cabs. You earlier said you would travel by bus. How many vehicles have your Ministers taken?
[Expunged on the order of the Chair.]
It is shameful. Allegations about the Speaker’s fuel allowances are circulating.
[Expunged on the order of the Chair.]
There are “walking libraries”—159 of them. Some can hardly recite A, B, C, D properly. Can such people rebuild this country?
Order! Please allow me to speak. Use the Standing Orders to control the disruptions.
[Expunged on the order of the Chair.]
Five Provincial Councillors—