Sri Lanka’s parliament voted on Tuesday to abolish pensions for all members of parliament and their widows, part of the government’s wider pledge to curb political privileges.
The 225-member chamber, where the ruling party holds a two-thirds majority, approved the move with 154 votes in favour and just two against. The decision to end MP pensions was passed immediately during the session.
Hersana Nanayakkara, the justice minister, told lawmakers that when people observe the quality of debate and speeches in the house they do not think MPs deserve pensions. His remarks framed the abolition as a response to public sentiment about political entitlements.
Sajid Premadasa, the opposition leader, objected to the repeal on grounds that pensions are necessary to provide social protection after leaving office. He warned that without pensions, former MPs might be tempted to secure their post‑retirement welfare through corrupt means.
Under the previous law MPs became eligible for a pension after completing five years of service, while other public servants generally required a minimum of ten years. The change removes that earlier advantage and aligns with the government’s intent to tighten oversight of public spending.
The move follows legislation introduced last September after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa refused to vacate an official residence. That earlier law cut back many entitlements for former heads of state, including luxury vehicles, fuel allowances, secretarial staff and personal security, and the latest vote continues the trend of reducing state-funded perks for political figures.
