The privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) in Sri Lanka are set to be significantly curtailed, according to government sources. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to streamline public spending and enhance accountability in governance.
Key privileges to be reduced include the withdrawal of firearms traditionally provided for MPs’ personal protection and the scaling back of police security detail assigned to them. This marks a major shift in the security arrangements that MPs have enjoyed for decades.
Additionally, the widely criticized duty-free vehicle permits, which MPs previously used to import luxury vehicles at reduced costs, will be abolished. The move is expected to save a substantial amount of public funds and address long-standing public concerns over excessive perks for lawmakers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a special committee to evaluate and recommend revisions to MPs’ privileges. The committee’s proposals are currently being reviewed and will be incorporated into the final policy changes.
This development comes amidst growing public demand for greater accountability from elected officials and a reduction in the perks and benefits enjoyed by politicians, particularly in light of the country’s economic challenges. Many see this as a positive step toward restoring public trust in governance.
