Ravi Karunanayake moves to abolish MPs’ pension scheme

Saturday, 8 February 2025 02:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NDF MP Ravi Karunanayake

New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake has tabled a Private Members’ Motion in Parliament seeking to abolish the pension scheme for MPs, arguing that public trust in politicians has eroded due to perceptions of entitlement and privilege.

Addressing the House yesterday, Karunanayake said that a particular political party had manipulated public sentiment on the issue, creating the impression that MPs were benefitting unfairly at the expense of the public. This, he argued, had led to widespread distrust in elected representatives, making it necessary to eliminate the pension scheme in order to restore confidence.

“If we do not change this, Parliament will simply become like a municipal council,” he said, adding that the issue had contributed to a negative political climate in recent years.

He stressed that MPs must demonstrate a commitment to public service over personal gain, particularly as the country seeks to establish a new political culture.

Karunanayake maintained that MPs should serve as representatives of the people’s will and that their focus should remain on addressing public needs rather than securing long-term benefits for themselves.

The motion comes amid growing public scrutiny of political privileges, with increasing calls for reforms to reduce unnecessary State expenditure and hold elected officials accountable.