The Government of Sri Lanka has announced measures to reduce the significant costs associated with maintaining Parliament by curtailing the benefits provided to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs).
A committee, chaired by a retired officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, has been established to spearhead these reforms. The committee’s primary objective is to review the existing privileges and allowances granted to MPs and propose new legislation to reduce them. This move aims to address the financial strain caused by the economic crisis and calls for greater fiscal responsibility.
The reforms will target various perks currently enjoyed by MPs, including vehicle provisions, pensions, housing allowances, and other financial benefits. Parliamentary sources indicate that these changes will soon be tabled in Parliament.
The annual cost of maintaining the Parliament has historically ranged between Rs. 4–5 billion, with salaries, allowances, and other perks for MPs accounting for over Rs. 1 billion, according to parliamentary statistics.
Currently, an ordinary MP earns between Rs. 54,000–60,000 per month, while key positions such as the Speaker, Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers receive between Rs. 100,000–150,000 monthly. In addition, MPs are entitled to several other benefits:
- Sitting allowance: Rs. 2,500 per day for attending parliamentary sessions.
- Office allowance: Rs. 100,000 per month.
- Entertainment allowance: Rs. 1,000 per month.
- Driver allowance: Rs. 3,500 per month (for MPs without state-provided drivers).
- Fuel allowance: Adjusted based on the distance from their constituency to the capital.
- Telephone allowance: Rs. 50,000 per month.
- Staff transport allowance: Rs. 10,000 per month.
- Postal allowance: Rs. 350,000 annually.
MPs also receive vehicle loans, fuel subsidies, and funds for office maintenance, which cover costs like staff salaries and telecommunications.
Housing is another significant expense addressed by the government, with MPs who do not utilize state accommodation receiving a housing allowance. Additionally, MPs and their families benefit from government-funded healthcare.
Other entitlements include subsidized air travel for non-official purposes and pension benefits for those who have served in Parliament.
While some expenses are seen as necessary for parliamentary duties, these reforms are expected to introduce a more sustainable approach to managing parliamentary costs amidst the country’s financial challenges.
