The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism

¶ 01 [3.03 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I rise with a deep sense of responsibility to help do a historic duty—abolishing the pension scheme for Members of Parliament. For decades after Independence, our political culture enabled exceptional privileges for Representatives while millions struggled for education, healthcare, dignified work, and security.

¶ 03 This is not abstract. After decades of alternating rule, the nation was bankrupted—financially, morally, and institutionally—by a system that drifted away from its people. At the last elections, the people gave a historic mandate to the National People’s Power, not out of blind loyalty, but hope for a new political culture and accountable leadership that lives by the standards of its citizens.

¶ 04 Our Manifesto clearly promised to abolish the special parliamentary pension. We are here to honour that promise. Being an MP is a noble public trust, not a conventional pensionable career. Pensions are for those dedicating their lives within structured public service. A Parliamentary seat is a temporary mandate from the people. When ordinary citizens toil decades for modest retirement, it is unjust for MPs to receive lifelong pensions after a single term. Such arrangements entrench the perception—and reality—that politicians live above the people.

¶ 05 This Bill does not undermine Parliament. MPs need adequate salaries, allowances, and institutional support to function. We aim to strengthen democracy by restoring trust. Trust is earned, not demanded. By abolishing this pension, we signal higher ethical standards and service over entitlement. This is not punitive, but transformative, breaking with excessive privileges and rooting our politics in integrity and responsibility.

¶ 06 We must ask: Are we here to secure lifelong benefits for ourselves or a sustainable future for the nation? The people answered—prioritize civilians’ needs. By abolishing MPs’ pensions, we reaffirm that reform begins with us and prove leadership is ready to evolve—choosing principle over privilege, service over self-interest, and national renewal over personal gain.

¶ 07 I commend this Bill to the House. Thank you.