The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, this is an important Bill. Since morning, many views were presented. The Opposition argued with great pain about losing the pension. Let me say this: I have been an MP for six years; I too was entitled to a pension. But we did not use any such benefit personally. Our movement-operated common fund received our pensions and other emoluments; we did not enjoy them individually.

¶ 02 Our political movement—founded by Rohana Wijeweera—taught sacrifice and renunciation; to place collective interest first and personal interests later. To a movement where people were prepared to give even their lives, what is a pension? This is not revenge. If this were revenge, we would be taking it upon ourselves. Of the 159 Government MPs, some have already earned pensions; all 159 would benefit if this Bill were not passed. If so, we are giving up our own benefits—hardly revenge.

¶ 03 The people gave us a mandate. Our program clearly stated we would abolish this pension scheme. You accuse us of not fulfilling promises; yet when we do, you still object. The President began by cutting privileges of current and former Presidents, and he personally renounced his own entitlements. Our 159 MPs have also renounced such privileges. If one claims this is revenge, then the President is taking revenge on himself as well.

¶ 04 We are setting a new standard. Our Ministers do not draw ministerial salaries; we have formally returned them to the Treasury. Previously, those holding multiple posts drew multiple allowances, vehicles, and staff. Now, it is one package regardless of how many portfolios. Other perks have been reduced. The Rs. 1 million insurance for MPs has been significantly cut. We are changing the old political culture of excessive perquisites.

¶ 05 The Opposition Leader said many promises remain. Remember, it has been only about a year and some months; we have a five-year mandate. Many things will be delivered in due course. Already, pensions of retired public servants and salaries of serving public servants have been increased, as have estate workers’ wages, while ministerial perks have been cut. The previous culture divided spoils among the top; we are changing that. We promised a new political culture and an end to the rotten practices. This Bill is one step fulfilling that pledge—not to hurt anyone, but to honour the people’s mandate.

¶ 06 Some Members cited names and asked if certain senior politicians were “thieves,” but did not dare name their own party leader. If anyone is genuinely destitute, as Minister Samantha Vidyaratna said, there are avenues to seek assistance which the Government can consider. I will conclude now.

¶ 07 Thank you.