Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Ratnayake has clarified that the National People’s Power Party (NPP) never stated it would refrain from eating food provided in Parliament, contrary to claims made by opposition politicians. He explained that what the NPP had consistently called for was the adjustment of the price of food served to lawmakers, advocating for it to reflect the normal market rate.
In comments to journalists, Ratnayake emphasized that the issue of food prices in Parliament has been raised by the JVP since they entered Parliament in 2000. At that time, food was priced at a mere Rs. 15, and the JVP had requested that it be sold at market prices. This demand was reiterated by the party in subsequent years, including in 2004 and 2005.
“The misunderstanding seems to stem from the recent claims that NPP members have said we would not eat food in Parliament or use government vehicles,” Ratnayake said. “We never made such a statement. What we have always demanded is a fair and reasonable price for the food provided, to ensure it does not burden taxpayers.”
He further stated that it is impractical for Members of Parliament (MPs) to operate without meals, noting that food provision is a standard practice in legislatures around the world. He reiterated that the goal was simply to ensure that the food served was priced appropriately, with no financial burden placed on the public.
