The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Bill to abolish parliamentary pensions—a promise we gave the people. We believe in fulfilling that pledge.

¶ 02 One camp argues abolition is revenge or unfair. We say: Members come here for a five-year public mandate; this should not be treated as a special lifetime entitlement. Since the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977, numerous amendments were made—not to protect infirm or destitute former MPs, but to extend benefits to spouses, children, and even for special lifetime circumstances of dependents. The cumulative effect was to create intergenerational family benefits. It is that scheme we end today—a victory for the people.

¶ 03 This is not about individuals; it is the political example we set. In the past one and a half years, we have delivered on real needs: housing for those who lost homes, including in landslides like Kabaragala, Badulla; housing for low-income families across districts and DS divisions; a meaningful wage increase for estate workers; salary increases for state employees; recruitment of about 39,000 to public service; and the President’s own example of renouncing presidential perks and cutting benefits for former Presidents. Funds once used for elite medical care abroad are being redirected to students’ and citizens’ needs.

¶ 04 Transport has improved; health facilities are being developed. Vehicles have been provided to transport children from remote areas; an allowance of Rs. 5,000 is given to children living in hostels for education; youth exiting care at 18 receive Rs. 2 million toward housing. Is this work in one and a half years insufficient?

¶ 05 We, on the Government side, are united in fulfilling our promises without dilution. The Opposition’s only script is ethnic and religious division; we reject it. Our progress is recognized internationally: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted 5 percent growth, inflation below 2 percent, and reserves and revenues exceeding expectations; Sri Lanka also climbed 14 places in corruption indices. These are achievements.

¶ 06 We are committed to building a nation where every citizen’s rights are protected and economic justice prevails. To our Members: the highest purpose of our mandate is service to the people, not personal comfort or family entitlements through repeatedly amended pension laws. In democracy there are two kinds of actors: those who enter for self-interest and those who enter for the common good. For the latter, people are the honour, security, and dignity.

¶ 07 Today, by abolishing the parliamentary pension, we keep our promise to the people. We have advanced the economy, ensured equal recognition, launched a fisheries pension scheme, raised estate wages, progressed housing, increased public servants’ salaries, advanced education reforms, developed health, rebuilt the economy, reduced waste, and are committed to eliminating bribery and corruption. Across North, East, South, and West, Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities are aligning with the President’s program. Public trust in the Government is at 65 percent. We will take all steps necessary to repeal this pension law because this is a people’s government delivering on promises. Thank you.