The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, if the Government claims such high popularity, hold the Provincial Council elections without delay.

¶ 02 We firmly believe MPs should have a pension. Democracies like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Germany, Japan grant pensions to public representatives to deter bribery and corruption, and to provide social security after public service. We stand by that.

¶ 03 You show great zeal against MPs’ pensions—what have you done for nearly 750,000 state pensioners? The 8.8 Perera Committee’s 60% salary increase was not granted to teachers, principals and instructors, creating disparities. The Subodini Committee’s 20% adjustment applied only to those in service from 1 January 2022; retirees receive no alignment. The President promised solutions at the National Retirees’ Convention on 19.05.2024, but the 1997–2021 teacher‑principal pension anomalies remain unresolved. Further, 154,000 who retired between 2020–2024 receive no relief in the 2025–2027 pay adjustments.

¶ 04 You also cancelled the 15% interest for senior citizens up to Rs. 1.5 million in savings. Is this a sensitive Government? Moreover, you promised to reduce electricity bills by 33% (e.g., Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 6,000; Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 2,000), yet you are increasing by 13.6% in the second quarter.

¶ 05 Additionally, 180 disabled war veterans at Galle Boossa camp (SLLIRFT regiment) are being moved from a fully facilitated camp to inadequately facilitated Panagoda. Is that sensitivity?

¶ 06 Stop postponing Provincial Council elections; hold them and let the people decide.