Colombo, May 27 — A decision has been made to increase the monthly meal charges for staff members employed in Parliament, with the new rates set to be implemented from June 1, 2025. The move comes following a review by the Parliamentary House Committee, which convened on May 23 under the leadership of Speaker and Committee Chairman Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
According to an official announcement from the Parliament’s Communications Department, the revised rates will require Executive Grade Officers to pay Rs. 4,000 per month for their meals, while Non-Executive staff will be charged Rs. 2,500. These changes reflect a broader cost review and are in line with financial recommendations made by the Ministry of Finance, which regularly assesses the expense of providing meals to parliamentary personnel.
The decision revises the rates previously discussed at an earlier House Committee meeting on May 21. It also follows a standard practice of adjusting prices every three years to reflect inflation and the rising cost of food supplies, typically at the request of parliamentary staff.
Importantly, the committee clarified that the new pricing structure will not affect all individuals who consume meals at Parliament. The existing rates for drivers of Members of Parliament, police officers, security personnel assigned to the President and the Prime Minister, as well as journalists covering parliamentary proceedings, will remain unchanged.
Officials emphasized that the adjustments are aimed at maintaining the quality and sustainability of the catering service within Parliament, especially amid increased operating costs. The change is expected to ensure continued service delivery while distributing costs more equitably among users.
