Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday, 19 January 2026 04:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Two Special Determination petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court contesting the constitutionality of proposed legislation to abolish pensions granted to Members of Parliament.
The Bill, titled Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, was tabled in Parliament on 7 January 2026 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration.
One petition has been submitted by former Members of Parliament M.M. Premasiri, Nawarathne Banda, Nishantha Deepal Gunasekara and Saman Siri Herath, all of whom served in Parliament between 2004 and 2010. A separate petition has been filed by former MP Piyasoma Upali, who served from 1988 to 2004, together with former MP Upali Sarath Danstan Amarasiri, whose parliamentary tenure spanned 1988 to 2000. The petitioners argue that a significant number of retired parliamentarians have devoted between five and thirty-five years to public service, often at the cost of foregoing careers, businesses or professional advancement outside politics.
They further state that many retired MPs, as well as some surviving spouses, rely entirely on parliamentary pensions, which they say range between approximately Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 80,000 per month. According to the petitions, these amounts are inadequate to cover basic living costs, including medical and other essential expenses.
The petitioners are seeking a determination that the Bill requires approval by the people at a referendum and must be passed with a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The petitions have been filed through Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardane and are to be supported by President’s Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
