Parliament to remove MP pension for AKD from next month

• President states that upon discovering the pension benefit, he had decided to forgo it in the interest of setting a new standard for leadership and accountability

By Sujith Hewajulige  

Parliamentary authorities have approved the removal of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s MP pension entitlement, effective next month, following his formal request, an official said yesterday.

The decision comes after the President disclosed that he was unaware of the additional pension benefit he would receive as a Member of Parliament (MP) alongside his presidential salary. 

In a letter sent to Parliament earlier this week, the President stated that upon discovering the pension benefit, he had decided to forgo it in the interest of setting a new standard for leadership and accountability. “We came to know some things only now. When I become President, I will receive a pension provided to an MP. That means that in addition to the presidential salary, I would also receive the MP’s pension. I gave a letter today saying that I do not want the MP’s pension,” the President explained.   In response to the President’s request, the Parliament official confirmed that they would honour his decision and ensure that the MP pension is not granted to him.