Trade Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe says the government will proceed with the proposed abolition of pensions for Members of Parliament, reaffirming that reducing privileges granted to politicians remains a key objective of the current administration.

Responding to recent remarks made by former JVP MP Nandana Gunathilaka, Samarasinghe said the move is part of a broader effort to reduce the financial burden on the public.

Gunathilaka, in a Facebook post on Friday (2), expressed concern over the proposal, noting that he had committed himself full-time to politics, losing his job and now relying solely on the MP pension for survival. He warned that passing such a proposal could lead to serious consequences for those who devoted their lives to public service.

Speaking to media in Anuradhapura, Minister Samarasinghe dismissed the criticism and emphasized that politics should not be a means of personal livelihood.

“We said it before the presidential and general elections – this country needs to exist, not serve as a source of income for politicians. Nowhere in the world are such benefits offered. Why should the people continue to bear the burden of supporting former presidents and politicians with public money, especially when people in parts of our country are still suffering?” he said.

The Minister added that any former MPs who genuinely lack a source of income are free to apply for benefits under the Aswasuma welfare program, just like any other citizen in need. (Newswire)

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