Sri Lankan Parliament Votes to Abolish Lawmaker Pensions
In a decisive move aimed at fiscal austerity, Sri Lankan legislators overwhelmingly voted on Tuesday to scrap their pensions, fulfilling a major pre-election campaign promise by the ruling left-leaning government. This action comes in direct response to widespread public anger over the country's severe economic crisis, which has prompted calls for greater accountability and reduced government expenditure.
Overwhelming Support for the Bill
The bill was passed with resounding support in the 225-member House, securing 154 votes in favor and only two against. Notably, the remaining legislators were not present during the crucial vote, highlighting the broad consensus for this measure. Previously, Sri Lankan lawmakers were entitled to a pension after serving a single five-year term, a provision that has now been eliminated under the new law.
Ending Entitlements and Campaign Promises
The new legislation explicitly stops payments to anyone who already receives or qualifies for the pension, marking a significant shift in parliamentary benefits. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was voted into office in 2024, had pledged to end this practice during his election campaign, positioning it as a cornerstone of his government's commitment to reform and fiscal responsibility.
Broader Austerity Measures
This move follows a similar initiative by Dissanayake's government in September, which abolished various perks provided to former presidents in response to popular demand. Those abolished benefits included:
- State funding for housing and allowances
- Pensions and transport subsidies
- Office and staff allocations for former presidents and their widows
Currently, there are five living past presidents and one widow affected by these changes, underscoring the government's broader effort to curb public spending on political elites.
Context of Economic Crisis
The decision to scrap lawmaker pensions is set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's ongoing economic turmoil, which has led to shortages, inflation, and public unrest. By targeting these entitlements, the government aims to demonstrate solidarity with citizens facing hardship and to redirect resources toward essential services and economic recovery efforts.
This legislative action represents a tangible step toward fulfilling campaign promises and addressing public discontent, as Sri Lanka navigates its path out of economic crisis through increased austerity and governance reforms.
