only capitalists and corrupt will rule politics if ex mps denied pension: karu j

It is a recognised parliamentary tradition in several countries to provide facilities for the public representatives, to live in consolation after rendering a dedicated service

If the pension rights were abolished several former parliamentarians would be reduced to a state of utter misery. Parliamentarians in several countries in the world- including the South Asia- are entitled to this privilege as a parliamentary tradition

Former Sri Lanka politician and one time Speaker of the Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, in his present capacity as the Acting Chairman of The Alliance of Ex-Parliamentarians of Sri Lanka, in a letter to President Anura Kumara Disanayake has conveyed his concerns about the Government’s plans to abolish the pension scheme for former parliamentarians. He states that though he admits being aware that the abolition of this privilege was one of the contents of the election manifesto of the present government, he wishes the president will reconsider his proposal and retain the pension scheme for former parliamentarians. For the record, a copy of the constitution of the Alliance of Former Parliamentarians of Sri Lanka was also attached with this letter penned by Jayasuriya to the president. 

His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Disanayake,
Presidential Secretariat,
Colombo 01.

Pensions of former parliamentarians

I regret to have focused my attention on a different issue at a time you are dedicated to the rebuilding of the country devastated by the Ditwah cyclone, and welfare of the people. I write to you making a request as a humanitarian gesture on behalf of former parliamentarians and the widows of several of them, totaling a number of over 500 individuals.

An acute displeasure against parliamentarians had been built in the recent past and every one of them had been branded as corrupt and fraudulent. However, we believe that it isn’t reasonable to accuse them as a whole. Among the former parliamentarians are several honest politicians of the left who earned public trust, including about 30 JVP parliamentarians. 

Several public servants who resigned from service at the prime of life forgoing their pension rights, and took to politics, are among them. They will be in a predicament if the regime goes ahead with the decision to deprive former parliamentarians of their pension rights. Parliamentarians of the current parliament are liable to face a similar predicament in the future.

We admit that the abolition of this privilege was one of the contents of the election manifesto of the present government. However, we are confident that you, as the first citizen of the county and the head of the state, will reconsider this proposal with utmost sympathy.
I wish to draw your kind attention to the following facts as well.

At the time of our country gaining independence, wealthy land owners, and the social elite had been prominent in the political arena. However, the social change that took place in 1956 revolutionised this situation, providing an opportunity for the ordinary individual to have a fair share of opportunities in the political scene.

However, with the abolition of pension rights of parliamentarians, the ordinary man would be distanced from politics and again the capitalists, businessmen and corrupt individuals, who amass wealth and means through foul means, will be prominent in the field of politics. 

It is a recognised parliamentary tradition in several countries to provide facilities for the public representatives, to live in consolation after rendering a dedicated service for the wellbeing of the society.  We are in possession of examples in support of our view. We would not make representations for the corrupt individuals in the mantle of public representatives. Few are the individuals of that bad calibre. The top-level committee appointed to study the proposal is understood to have reported that it isn’t appropriate to pass the relevant legislation with retrospective effect.  

The Alliance of Former Parliamentarians is intended to provide the opportunity for the parliamentarians of the present government and the future governments as well to supplement their knowledge with the experience and the political acumen of their predecessors. It was formed during political turmoil in the 2021/22 era. Similar organizations exist in several countries and our organization has a healthy rapport with the present government.

Our organization was founded in the Parliamentary complex in 2021 with former speaker of Parliament as Hon. Patron. We have obtained the services of an official as well. The abolition of pension rights of parliamentarians is an issue that surfaced in 2025 after the present government assumed power. 

If the pension rights were abolished several former parliamentarians would be reduced to a state of utter misery. Parliamentarians in several countries in the world- including the South Asia- are entitled to this privilege as a parliamentary tradition. The governments in power depend on their knowledge and experience particularly in the case of national issues. 

Although a few of us spend our pensions for social activities and charity, many others depend on it to make ends meet. 

In the circumstance we request the President to take up the issue with a team of all party representatives, and make amendments to give it a humanitarian facet. 

Since the government is planning to implement a new Constitution, we request the President to take further steps on this issue after a thorough study of facts presented in this letter. Please find attached herewith a copy of the constitution of the Alliance of Former Parliamentarians. I am confident that the parliament will be further strengthened through our organization provided it received the Speaker’s approval.  This letter has been copied to all parliamentarians for their information.

Thank you,    
Yours faithfully
Karu Jayasuriya 
Acting Chairman  
Alliance of Ex-Parliamentarians of Sri Lanka