2 January 2021 11:18 am Views - 4040
Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake said he will distribute personal funds of Rs. 4 million he received as allowances from the government to the needy citizens of Sri Lanka. The MP made these comments taking to his personal YouTube channel.
“Four years ago all parliamentarians received an allowance of Rs. 100,000. There was also an attendance allowance which was raised to Rs. 2,500 from Rs. 500. As an elected member of parliament and an artist of the public I didn’t have a luxurious life. Even this vehicle is a rented one, for Rs. 90,000. You can check this yourselves,” he said pointing towards the vehicle in the background.
“There were members of parliament, owners of ships and choppers, I thought that they would too reject this allowance, following the example I set. It was because Sri Lanka was in debt amounting to 9.5 trillion at the time. I did this because I live alone, my expenses are less, as I lead a simple life. I also understand that not everyone is able to do this, as some MPs have huge families,” he added.
“So in the recent past my allowances went to the treasury. It served no-one. Friends told me I should use it for some good. So I requested this from the Parliament General Secretary, the Attorney General approved my request and I received hundreds of thousands of rupees,” the MP said standing opposite a table covered with Rs. 5000 notes.
“There is Rs. 4 million on this table. I have no family or property to maintain with this money. Therefore I thought to give this money on a permit basis in the past, which wasn’t successful as people misused it. I decided to give this money away, and name it as a ‘cash dansela’ as I have no expectation to loan this money. I have done this in the past, and I will continue to do so, even with the funds I receive from my YouTube channel which amounts to Rs. 300,000 to 400,000 every month,” Ramanayake said.
“I mean no disrespect towards anyone. I am able to do this as I have no wife or family. Call my secretary Kushan Thilakarathna on 0773624927. We will do an audit before we hand out the funds, so that we can serve the needy. Migrant workers and artists will be given priority and it will be done in a confidential manner,” he assured.(Kalani Kumarasinghe)