LNP – Retired MPs collective contemplating legal action against slashing of pensions

Retired MPs Collective is contemplating legal action if MPs pension is abolished, its secretary Premasiri Manage said.

“There are 30 ex-JVP MPs who have retired and are depending on the pension. Also, he said there are 50 JVP MPs who have given up public service to take up politics. What would become of them if their pension is slashed?” Manage questioned.

Further, he said retired MPs will lodge complaints with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva with regard to the matter.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft legislation to repeal pensions for Members of Parliament and cancel special entitlements for former Presidents and their families last month.

Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa, who made a comment during last month’s cabinet briefing, said it was decided to instruct the Legal Draftsman to formulate two separate bills to curtail the special privileges historically granted to former Presidents and their families, as well as cancelling the pension of the MPs.

Dr. Jayatissa said the move is in line with the Government’s broader policy vision titled ‘Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak’ (A Wealthy Country – A Beautiful Life), which was presented to the public as part of the Government’s mandate.

He said the decision reflects the people’s will. “People voted for this Government to repeal the excessive and unjustified benefits previously granted to former Presidents and MPs,” he said.

He said once enacted, the reforms would abolish lifetime pensions for MPs, which they currently receive after five years of service and withdraw perks for former Presidents and their families, which include housing, vehicles, staff and other allowances funded by the taxpayers.