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PM proposes pay hike, extra allowances for MPs
View(s):By Chandani Kirinde
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed a salary increase and additional allowances for Members of Parliament. Mr. Wickremesinghe said he strongly advocated a salary hike for MPs and a rise in the daily attendance allowance to Rs. 2500 from the present Rs. 500. He also proposed another monthly payment of Rs. 100,000 for the work MPs do in electorates.
“There is no use giving more responsibilities to MPs without giving them more facilities. MPs must be paid better salaries. I am aware many lawmakers face problems. They must be paid Rs. 100,000 monthly to carry out work in their electorates. Those who are against it, can reject it,” the Prime Minister said while participating in the committee stage debate of the 2017 Budget.
The allocations for the Office of the President, the Prime Minister and Parliament were among the subjects debated yesterday.
He said that in countries such as the United States and India many more facilities were given to MPs including air travel warrants. “We must give air travel facilities to MPs from the North and East,” he said.
The Prime Minister said more vehicle facilities too were needed for MPs. “I know I will be criticised for saying this, but this is necessary,” he said amid widespread public criticism that ministers and MPs were getting far too much while the ordinary people were struggling for existence.
The Prime Minister said the MPs salaries were far below those paid to professionals and those in other sectors. Hence the salary scales needed to be revised. “I will somehow manage with this salary. My wife gets paid more than me,” the Prime Minister quipped.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said that the health insurance coverage of Rs. 200,000 given to MPs was inadequate and should be raised to at least Rs. 500,000. “It is important for MPs to be in good health if they are to carry out their responsibilities as elected representatives,” he said.
He also asked Speaker Karu Jayasuirya to ensure that the property that belongs to Parliament including Mumtaz Mahal which was once the official residence of the Speaker aand Sravasthi which was previously used as a hostel for MPs be taken over.
“Sravasthi has been given to the Western Provincial Council. This must be taken back. Mumtaz Mahal is also neglected. This too must be taken over,” he said. He also called for better housing facilities for MPs.