In a historic move toward fiscal accountability and political reform, Sri Lanka’s parliament has voted to abolish pensions for lawmakers, delivering on a major campaign promise aimed at curbing political privilege.
Key Highlights
- Parliamentary pensions for members with at least five years of service have been officially eliminated.
- The decision fulfills a core electoral pledge to reduce government expenditure and restore public trust.
- The reform comes as Sri Lanka continues to navigate economic recovery following its recent financial crisis.
Under the previous system, Sri Lankan parliamentarians were entitled to a lifetime state pension after serving just a single five-year term. The perk had long drawn public criticism, which intensified during the nation’s severe 2022 economic crisis as citizens faced sharp inflation, tax hikes, and widespread austerity.
The abolition of lawmaker pensions signals a shift under the current administration toward greater government transparency and fiscal discipline. Officials hope the step will demonstrate solidarity with the public and set a precedent for broader institutional reforms across the country.