Parliament has decided to suspend the parliamentary pension previously received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following his request in an official letter.
On February 21, President Dissanayake stated in Parliament that he did not wish to receive two pensions. Prior to this statement, he had formally informed the Secretary-General of Parliament to suspend his MP pension starting next month.
The letter was forwarded to the Parliament’s Director of Finance for necessary action, according to parliamentary sources.
A former MP who has served for at least five years is entitled to a parliamentary pension. Additionally, after retirement, a former president is eligible for a separate presidential pension.
It was recently revealed that past presidents have received multiple pensions under this system. The discussion around this issue is expected to gain further momentum following President Dissanayake’s decision, setting an example for others.