To 23 MPs heading DDCs Prez stops move to pay Rs.200,000

By Kelum Bandara

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have stopped a Cabinet move to grant a monthly allowance of Rs.200,000 to 23 MPs, who are working as the heads of the District Development Councils (DDC).   

Home Affairs, Provincial Council and Local Government Minister Vajira Abeywardane submitted the Cabinet memorandum after having made a similar attempt in May this year. However, the President had not activated the DDCs at the time.   

The DDCs became operative after the government started implementing the Gamperaliya and Enterprise Sri Lanka programmes.   

The President had reportedly objected to the Cabinet paper yesterday saying this was not the time for such payment.