Committee Backs Bill to End Pension Scheme for MPs

A key parliamentary oversight committee has given its unanimous approval to a Bill aimed at scrapping pension entitlements for Members of Parliament.

Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, MP Najith Indika, confirmed that the proposal received full backing during a recent committee meeting.

Addressing the decision, MP Indika said the move aligns with a major commitment outlined in the current government’s policy statement. He noted that one of the pledges made ahead of the election was to eliminate the pension granted to MPs after serving only a limited period in Parliament.

The proposed legislation will repeal the Parliamentary Pensions Act No. 1 of 1977. If passed when it is presented in Parliament next week, MPs will no longer qualify for a pension following their parliamentary service.

MP Indika further stated that the reform is intended to reinforce the principle of public service in politics and contribute to a shift in political culture. He added that the measure reflects the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises and signals the direction it intends to take in the future.