The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, this Motion is notable because Hon. Ravi Karunanayake brings it. If I brought it, it would not be news; but because he did, it is widely reported.

¶ 02 We seek to abolish not a private benefit, but a policy privilege. As stated by Hon. Gamini Rathnayake, in 1976 the perception of the people towards public representatives differed from today. Today, anger is due not to losing a pension but losing a retirement life. Many have had to work even after retirement, selling lottery tickets and doing menial jobs. The anger arises because wrongfully acquired public wealth deprived people of a dignified retirement. With conscience, we must accept this. The President’s Fund was misused; people ask how those who deprived them now speak of privileges.

¶ 03 Do not question our movement’s culture; it is long-standing. In 2001 Hon. Vijitha Herath brought such a proposal; in 2018 we also did. If we were greedy for pensions, we would not bring such Motions. Therefore, let us make this a reality. At least people will feel that we are serious about changing the culture. All these Private Members’ Motions today are things that should have been done earlier; we as Government agree.

¶ 04 Thank you.