The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has expressed support for United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ravi Karunanayake’s proposal to abolish the pension scheme for Members of Parliament (MPs), stating that those with sufficient income do not require state-funded pensions.
SJB General Secretary and Media Spokesperson Ranjith Madduma Bandara reiterated the party’s stance, emphasizing the need to assess MPs’ financial standing before determining eligibility for pensions.
Karunanayake, speaking in Parliament, argued that scrapping the pension system is crucial to restoring public trust, as many believe MPs unduly benefit from taxpayer money.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that a cabinet paper will be presented to abolish MPs’ pensions based on the recommendations of the K.T. Chitrasiri Committee. The committee, led by former Supreme Court Justice K.T. Chitrasiri, reviewed allowances and privileges granted to MPs, ministers, and former presidents.
Wijepala further noted that the government is prepared to act on recommendations made by MPs Hesha Withanage and Ravi Karunanayake concerning the reduction of parliamentary privileges.
