MPs won’t receive Rs 20,000 sitting allowance –Speaker

Dec 31, 2015

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday ruled out the possibility of members of parliament being paid a staggering daily attendance allowance of Rs. 20,000 beginning next year instead of the current Rs. 500.

Asked whether the government would grant such a huge payment regardless of strong resentment expressed by sections of the public, Speaker Jayasuriya said: "Of course, various people have made suggestions pertaining to perks and privileges enjoyed by members of parliament. However, Parliament will not approve such a huge payment as attendance allowance."

Parliament comprises 225 members with ruling UNP-SLFP coalition commanding a two-thirds majority.

The Speaker has recently expressed serious concern over MPs poor attendance vis-a-vis an astounding Rs. 4.6 mn spent per sitting. The veteran politician said the public would certainly resent a colossal attendance allowance.

Parliament meets eight days a month. Implementation of the proposed Rs. 20,000 daily allowance will enable an MP to receive approximately Rs.1,760,000 for 11 months.

If the sitting allowance is increased to Rs. 20,000 per day attendance during the budget debate will enable each MP to receive about 500,000.

Responding to a query, Speaker Jayasuriya emphasized the pivotal importance of the operation of Oversight Committees as well as Independent Committees established in accordance with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

Speaker Jayasuriya functions as Chairman of the Constitutional Council.

The National List MP said that in addition to suggestions pertaining to daily allowance, there had been talk on duty free vehicle permits made available to members of parliament.

Speaker said that several persons had raised the matter regarding enhanced attendance allowance for members of parliament subsequent to media reports in that regard.
- The Island -