Colombo (HRNW) – In a landmark move aimed at reducing political privileges and supporting fiscal reforms, Sri Lanka’s Parliament has passed legislation abolishing the country’s lifetime parliamentary pension scheme.
According to official reports, the 225-member Parliament approved the bill by 154 votes to 2, repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Law of 1977. As a result, parliamentary pensions for current and former Members of Parliament, as well as eligible widows of former MPs, will be discontinued under the new law.
The reform fulfills a key election pledge made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who campaigned on reducing state spending and eliminating special privileges for political officeholders amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery.
The government has argued that the measure is part of broader efforts to restore public confidence, strengthen fiscal discipline, and ensure greater accountability in public expenditure following the country’s severe economic crisis.
The abolition of parliamentary pensions follows earlier government decisions to reduce or withdraw several official benefits previously granted to former presidents and senior public officeholders.
The legislation has been widely viewed as one of the most significant governance reforms in recent years, reflecting growing public demand for greater transparency and austerity in government spending.
Important Note
This report is based on official parliamentary proceedings and government announcements. Further administrative details regarding the implementation of the new law are expected to be issued by the relevant Sri Lankan authorities.
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