Former MPs say ending pensions is unfair

The funeral of Professor Tissa Vitarana, leader of the Nava Sama Samaj Party, was held yesterday (16) at Borella Cemetery, with his body laid to rest at the Borella N.M. Perera Center.

Many former MPs, ministers, left-wing politicians, and current political activists attended to pay their respects. During the gathering, discussions arose about the proposal to abolish parliamentary pensions.

Former MP Ananda Sangaree, leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front, defended the pension, saying it is essential for former MPs to meet daily expenses and live independently. He shared that even his son, a Canadian MP, relies on his pension.

Several current MPs, including Rauff Hakeem, were present.

Sangaree asked Hakeem to raise the issue in Parliament. Hakeem then informed Nisham Kariyapper, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, who addressed the matter during the debate on the bill to abolish MP pensions today (17).

Nisham Kariyapper said abolishing MP pensions is a “grave injustice” and highlighted that no other country takes such a step without providing alternative support.

He suggested that a proper fund should be established if pensions are to be removed.