The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I move,

¶ 02 “That this Parliament resolves that the Pension Scheme of the Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka should be abolished with immediate effect as it is very apparent that Sri Lankan voters are very hostile for Parliament Members to receive pensions after the completion of their term of office.”

¶ 03 Sir, today, I stand up in Parliament to propose and discuss a matter that has been a source of great discontent and frustration among the people - the pension awarded to the Members of Parliament. The pension currently granted to the Members of Parliament is seen by many as an undue privilege granted often to those who had served in Parliament for a brief period; it is seen as deeply unjust, unfair and unreasonable from the people’s perspective. Therefore, it is time to align the benefits enjoyed by the elected Representatives with those of the citizens they serve. We must recognize that public service is a noble calling and one that should be driven by the desire to serve the people and not for personal gain. The pension awarded to the MPs has created the perception that political office is a pathway to personal enrichment rather than a platform for public service. This perception erodes the trust between the electorate and their Representatives. That trust is fundamental to the functioning of democracy. Let us work together to create a political culture where integrity and selflessness are valued above all; let us ensure that our elected Representatives are motivated by a genuine desire to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. Our pension could be better spent on essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, which directly benefit the people of Sri Lanka.

¶ 04 Therefore, Sir, I propose the abolition of the pension scheme for the Members of Parliament. That is for eradication of inequity and as a move of fairness and justice. It is a step towards restoring the faith of the people in Parliamentarians and ensuring that the elected public office remains a commitment to serve the people and not to be served.

¶ 05 Hon. Presiding Member, I bring this proposal looking from two sides: how the people view this matter, and how MPs act to secure protection for themselves. This problem was aggravated because some political narratives portrayed this as betrayal, stirring opposition and creating public opinion accordingly. As a result, public trust in MPs has severely eroded. I thought to present an idea to restore that trust.

¶ 06 When bringing this Motion, I spoke with many colleagues and Members of Parliament who asked what I intended. In Parliament, we represent the aspirations of the people, and we must fulfill their needs. This is a prospective idea; we cannot act retroactively. I bring this Motion to address public hostility. If we do not change this, Parliament will be reduced to a mere municipal council, which would be detrimental to the country. It is our duty to correct it.

¶ 07 The Hon. Prime Minister too is in the House. As the Government ushers in a new political culture, let us all rally around it. We must consider whether we create problems for ourselves or strengthen public trust. I ask all of you: this is not a time to grandstand about whether we “want” this pension. We must act to build public trust. That is why I present this Motion.

¶ 08 To all who phoned me, I say: we must create a new political culture and carry forward its discipline. I examined how many MPs receive pensions. According to data, 215 former MPs draw a pension — a small number. Yet it has been portrayed as if the entire State pension bill is paid to 200-300 MPs. Should we not correct that? This is how a new political culture should function. Otherwise, the public will think MPs only eat, draw pensions, take salaries, vehicles and official residences.

¶ 09 There is loud talk about official housing; we should correct that with proper estimates. If we do so, we can build a new culture, restore trust and represent Parliament with pride. I also tell the Government: if we want competent, professional MPs to do the work, then restructure salaries and allowances appropriately. Look at Singapore. They pay in millions to attract talent. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Without that mindset, let us invest in bringing professionals into Parliament. That is why I propose this and I invite Parliament to ensure we bring true professionals in.

¶ 10 To retain professionals, they should be duly paid, rather than just cutting one aspect. Looking at neighbours: India’s Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act of 1954 exists. But we must consider whether reinstating such benefits is necessary. Singapore pays at a very high level for merit and experience; Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia likewise.

¶ 11 Hon. Prime Minister, since you are listening, we must invest for tomorrow. Let us bring the younger generation into this nation-building exercise. Those of us from professional or business backgrounds can bear the strain, but it is not easy. I also speak for many elected this time whose salaries go to a public fund and are paid by the party. Consider this as you restrain expenditure. Even when the President goes to Jaffna — he represents the whole country — why waste six hours by road when he can go by helicopter? That is what the modern world does. I suggest the same to the Hon. Prime Minister. You hold the position of Prime Minister; use it. Time wasted on the road is a loss to the country, not the helicopter. These are not extravagant expenditures; this is how countries develop. Use technology.

¶ 12 Likewise, relook at this pension. I propose this because of the hysteria and negativity towards MPs getting a pension. I want to resurrect the confidence, command and respect people had for Parliament.

¶ 13 Sir, I would wind up, inviting the Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper to second my Motion.