Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, I move the following new Clauses:

¶ 02 “New Clause 1: ‘Protection of former Members aged 65 and above

¶ 03 Insert the following new Clause 1 immediately after Clause 3:

¶ 04 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, any former Member of Parliament who has completed sixty-five (65) years of age as at the date of commencement of this Act shall be entitled to receive pension benefits in accordance with the law that existed prior to the commencement of this Act.’”

¶ 05 “New Clause 2: ‘Hardship relief based on livelihood

¶ 06 Insert the following new Clause 2 after New Clause 1:

¶ 07 (1) Where a former Member of Parliament establishes to the satisfaction of an Independent Review Committee appointed by the Secretary-General of Parliament that his or her sole income and livelihood are dependent on the parliamentary pension, such former Member may apply to be exempted from the operation of this Act.

¶ 08 (2) The Independent Review Committee shall consist of: (a) a retired Judge of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal (Chair); (b) the Auditor-General or his nominee; and (c) a representative nominated by the Secretary to the Treasury.

¶ 09 (3) The Committee shall determine such applications on the basis of a personal financial disclosure including income, assets and liabilities.’”