No more state bungalows to ministers, duty free vehicle permits, pension scrapped for MPs

2 December 2024 07:56 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 57 Bookmark

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-The government has also identified 344 luxury vehicles used by former ministers and presidents to auctioned or repurpose

In its move for the curtailment of benefits for parliamentarian in keeping with the the election manifesto, the government has decided not to assign state bungalows to ministers,a Minister said yesterday.

Besides, duty - free vehicle permits granted every five- year period to MPs will also be scrapped.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala who is also in charge of parliamentary affairs told Daily Mirror yesterday that the government would decide what was to be done with state bungalows assigned to the ministers who served in the previous governments.

"We will not assign these houses to any Minister of the current government, " he said.

The Minister said that the MPs across the divide would be provided with cost- effective vehicles by the government instead of permits for the importation of vehicles without duty .

"We will not issue duty free vehicle permits to MPs. They will be given cost-effective, fuel-efficient vehicles, " he said.

In the past there were widespread allegations about parliamentarians abusing their duty free vehicle permits for monetary gains. Permits were transferred to others for hefty sums to import luxury vehicles without any import duty involved .

In addition, the government has decided to scrap pension benefits to MPs from this time onwards . The government has also identified 344 luxury vehicles used by former ministers and presidents to auctioned or repurposed . He said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would present a Cabinet paper seeking approval to auction some of these vehicles.

"These are luxury vehicles including V8 vehicles," he said.

Comments - 57

This is reality Monday, 02 December 2024 08:12 AM

That's the way to go. But enough of rhetoric. At the next parliament session have the Bill ready. Get the required 2/3rds majority (you have it) cos any Constitutional provision requires it for approval. NATO should stop forthwith.

3 86

Kuhaka Minissu Only billionaires will survive. Monday, 02 December 2024 10:58 AM

Did the 39 JVP ministers of the 2004 cabinet also obtain their duty free car permits and sell them to make the JVP party fund bigger? YES or NO? Also will the JVP party fund to which businessman can now rout their santhosams officially keep paying the parliamentariansba te party fund or worse will the parliamentarians be allowed to use vehicles given free of charge by businessman? NPP is clever with words and misleading voters to believe more than what they said. eg IMF matter. So if the nation is expecting 225 poor people to work free for the country that's a non sustainable proposition and will result in ether corruption or resignations or indebted rulers.

36 11

Asoka Tuesday, 03 December 2024 08:26 AM

What has the proposed changes got to do with what happened in the past?? Nowhere in the world do Ex-Ministers get houses and vehicles provided by the Govt apart from corrupt Govts. Nowhere in the world does Ministers get houses provided by the Govt - apart from corrupt Govts. All strength to the new President and the Govt.

2 21

roobarbie Thursday, 05 December 2024 03:08 PM

Your name aptly fits to your nature absolutely well. People that continue to live in the feudal society of millenia do not fit into the progressive country that NPP government aspires to develop.

0 0

Citizen k Monday, 02 December 2024 08:13 AM

A good move.Now only those who have a genuine love for the country will come forward to contest.aThe holiday bungalows should be open to public who want to rent it for holiday purpose .

2 91

Sena Monday, 02 December 2024 08:21 AM

Great work AKD/NPP!

5 80

Russel Harmmer Monday, 02 December 2024 12:12 PM

Hats off AKD and NPP. Yes, scrap out all the Ex-Presidents Luxury living after looting and made us as beggars. Mahinda and Ranil are responsible for our countries down fall, MR is a rogue and RW who protected the rogues - the worst rogue.

2 39

Wadigapatuna Monday, 02 December 2024 08:22 AM

This propaganda won't solve burning issues of the people. The mandate of this too deep political underworld state of lies has no value.

93 29

Sadun Wednesday, 04 December 2024 07:05 PM

Burning issues are because of your studpidity , so you should suffer. At least your children will not suffer because of the present goverment policies.

1 4

Sena Monday, 02 December 2024 08:25 AM

The state bungalows can be Govt. maintained and leased out to locals

0 76

Wagner Monday, 02 December 2024 08:28 AM

The way to go curtail the abuse of power by the MP's and Ministers

2 63

MY VIEW AND PROBABLY THE VIEW OF MANY, TOO MANY WITHDRAWLS WILL ONLY RESULT IN POOR PERFORMANCE IN TIME TO COME AND OR RESIGNATIONS. Monday, 02 December 2024 05:53 PM

WAGNER, CORRECT, IF THE GOVT CAN WIPE OUT CORRUPTION, IT MAKES SENSE TO RETIRE THEM WITH AT LEAST A PART PENSION AND NO PENSION FOR THOSE WHO RESIGN AND OR FLEE THE COUNTRY. ANURA/NPP MUST TRY AND STICK TO A DEMOCRATIC WAY OF RUNNING A GOVT AND NOT GO INTO THE TRAITS OF A DICTATOR. I SEE NO REASON WHY THE MP'S CANNOT AT LEAST BE GIVEN A PENSION, CONSIDERING THE FACT THEY HAVE A HUGE TASK AHEAD OF THEM. SAVING TAX PAYERS MONEY IS ONE THING, BUT WITHDRAWING PENSIONS IS ANOTHER. NO MORE STATE BUNGALOWS AND DUTY FREE VEHICLESV ARE WELCOME, BUT WITHDRAWAL OF PENSIONS!!!

7 4

Aela Monday, 02 December 2024 08:30 AM

Very good move. This is the way to go, all the best.

3 57

Smh Monday, 02 December 2024 08:48 AM

Excellent decision. No government members or officials deserve such extravagant privileges. Hopefully, next target would be the Sri Lankan embassies overseas. It is another money hack for staff who do absolutely nothing and have many privileges.

4 70

bryanbrit Tuesday, 03 December 2024 11:59 AM

Release the list of privileges given to friends/associates of ambassadors of countries. These could include perks that cost the GoSL. We can start with Uganda and UK

2 5

D P P Prasad Monday, 02 December 2024 09:01 AM

It is a very good decision to scrap the unnecessary privileges and perks being enjoyed by the parliamentarians. In terms of the democratic principles. The members of the house should render honorary service. The parliamentarians are elected by the people by casting their votes. Every parliamentarian should be bound to serve the people without obtaining any perks or benefits Further this is exemplary to the other Asian countries The corrupted and money greedy politicians will no longer be allowed to come to the parliament hereafter once this system is introduced

2 40

Suraj Monday, 02 December 2024 12:07 PM

You must be dreaming if you expect these guys who have never done a job for life and have been dependent on others to stay without getting anything from the government.

13 5

Rene Monday, 02 December 2024 09:15 AM

Excellent move Should have happened much earlier If happened like that no economic woes in the country

2 41

Iwazaru Monday, 02 December 2024 09:21 AM

This is what I wanted and and that is why I voted for the NPP. With the coming of the new constitution, the perks of the past and present presidents of Sri Lanka will go.

2 48

Sam M Monday, 02 December 2024 09:35 AM

These are good initiatives and on the other hand it us hard to live or manage a family with the Minister or MP allowances alone, just pays a very average. That means only wealth people would enter into the politics on future. On foreign countries these positions are paid well and among top 5% paid salary. If the aame implemented in Sri lanka, corruption can be eliminated while having capable person in these jobs.

3 31

FredSnR Monday, 02 December 2024 02:16 PM

Maybe a lump sum payment at the end of the term, a percentage of salary, is something to consider, but overall a very good move

1 4

Grace Monday, 02 December 2024 09:38 AM

Even all previous presidents and Priministers should be deprived of pension. They didn't serve people but served to themselves, their relatives and friends families. The pension they are getting is a peanut for them.

1 32

Tissa Fernando Monday, 02 December 2024 11:18 AM

Especially the non-elected backdoor President.

5 16

Tissa Fernando Monday, 02 December 2024 09:41 AM

But they will be given fuel efficient vehicles. May be they get Tesla? Or BMW electric SUV? Those are cost efficient vehicles. Or some indian crap tgst last only 2 years. So , there is no savings here as vehicles will be given. Stare Bunglow costs are peanuts, only few stayed on these anyway. These are to be maintained so there is no cost saving. I wonder if these guys understand what cost saving really means?

57 12

Voter Monday, 02 December 2024 11:15 AM

@Tissa Fernando, it looks like you are still very bitter about RW being given the boot by the people of SL.

3 15

Kumara Ilangasinghe Monday, 02 December 2024 01:37 PM

I am using a 2017 Indian car manufactured in collaboration with Renault and Nissan and find that they are very hardy, economical, reasonably priced spares and very reliable. I do not agree with the comment to give BMW and Tesla cars.

1 11

Citizen k Monday, 02 December 2024 01:53 PM

The know all.Looks like he has all inside knowledge.

0 7

BanduXX Monday, 02 December 2024 02:32 PM

The cost of state bungalows to the taxpayer is not in their period of use (for which they do not pay anyway) but the exorbitant cost of maintenance and upkeep of facilities and salaries. These run into millions a year.

0 8

Silva Wednesday, 04 December 2024 08:15 AM

What about the Indian Ambassador. I is a good vehicle, fuel efficient and with A/C. If Indians officials can drive it, why not Sri Lankans.

0 0

Tintin Monday, 02 December 2024 09:58 AM

This is good initiative if you could do as committed fully. But bring a constitution immediately to abolish this privilege forever. Means not let others to revise if in case they want it again when next parliamentarians come in power. Also think about car permits to other government servants. Do they really need permits every 5 years? This is curtailing state revenue at large. I suggest rather give an incentive (25% waive off ) to foreign earners if they meet the cap of inward remittances in a specific period .This encourage many to pump dollars as they also have a benefit.

1 8

Premalal Perera Monday, 02 December 2024 10:03 AM

How about the past Presidents who are being looked after in luxury with all facilities paid for?

1 12

Banda Monday, 02 December 2024 10:47 AM

A significant number of vehicles are hired by government organizations, including corporations, authorities, and boards, for office transportation purposes. This occurs despite officers being granted vehicle permits and the availability of a substantial fleet within these organizations. The current government should investigate this practice and implement measures to reduce public expenditure.

1 6

Priya Monday, 02 December 2024 11:25 AM

Turn the bungalows into Govt. owned and operated Guest Houses.

1 7

Karu Monday, 02 December 2024 11:41 AM

This has to present as a parliament bill ,should be no body won’t reverse it

3 2

A Supporter of Privileges Monday, 02 December 2024 11:48 AM

These are outrages acts by the present Government to remove privileges from MPs. If these things continue, we will not have the services of likes of Ranil Rajapaksa, Keheliya Rambukwella Nimal Siripala de Silva, Raththaran, Johnston Fernando, Pavithra, Harin Fernando etc and Parliament will be an empty place, and we will not have qualified guys like Environmental Advisors of Ranil Wickremasinghe who with Ordinary Level was able to function as a Presidential Advisor.

1 9

Be Fair Monday, 02 December 2024 12:00 PM

1. Holiday Bungalows: Give it to the Private sector let them run. It will be more affordable for people like us. 2. Duty Free Permit: Cancel it FIRST. 3. No Pension for MPs: Long overdue, when will it be enacted? Waiting for the next session for these to be implemented. If you do, kudos to you.

1 6

Rasika Monday, 02 December 2024 12:04 PM

The NPP (then JVP) members are also selling their duty free vehicle permits or vehicles bought on such permits as well. They can't just absolve themselves and put the entire blame on others.

4 3

Tony Dissanayake (attorney-at-law) Monday, 02 December 2024 12:16 PM

Scapp off Mahinda, Sirisena, Chandrika and Ranil's extra vehicles, residing bungalows and pension. They have already earned their money illegally for another 10 generations by looting the poor man's money.

1 14

INCOME TAX PAYER LAST 50 YEARS. Monday, 02 December 2024 12:16 PM

EXCELLENT MOVE...CARRY ON.

1 11

RanjithT Monday, 02 December 2024 12:23 PM

Before saying hooray wait till the bill is published and passed. The privileges are governed by an act. It need to be rescinded with RETROSPECTIVE effect otherwise provisions will be applicable from the day speaker sings the document. As per the news item scraping of pensions for MPs from this time onward and nothing is said about the past Presidents. But this is not what said during the election campaigns and certainly not what the VOTERS expected. They wanted all perks withdrawn. This is because the NPP/JVP have not studied the process and just muttered thinking that it can be done just like that. With time NPP/JVP will learn the hard truth of governance. It is easily said than done, sooner they learn better for them if not they are digging their own graves. It will be worse when it comes to finding the stolen assets. Mark my word it is not like finding a needle in a haystack but finding the haystack itself. People should be prepared to wait at least 15 years to get any money back

1 11

Alisten Joseph Monday, 02 December 2024 12:27 PM

All the MPS , ex presidents and government servants should lodge the tax returns in time .The wealth tax and capital gain withholding tax at the time of sale should be introduced to collect tax from wealthy people rater than taxing daily earners.

0 6

Russel Harmmer Monday, 02 December 2024 12:36 PM

Very important AKD to treat your Ministers and MPs. with the same spoon. MR is very angry, working out plans with Namal to topple the Government and make RW as President and Namal as Prime Minister.

1 6

Aquarius Monday, 02 December 2024 01:11 PM

Imagine the ordinary citizen getting retirement benefits after 5 years of service. Taking this away is the biggest winner. Parliamentarians are elected to serve the people and not to enjoy entitlements. Good job, keep pruning unnecessary spending.

0 7

saman Monday, 02 December 2024 01:13 PM

Mr. Ananda Wijepala, if no more state bungalows to ministers, duty free vehicle permits, pension scrapped for MPs, They why do you say that the government would decide what was to be done with state bungalows assigned to the ministers (the pina's) who served in the previous governments. If its a NO to the new ministers, it has to be a BIG NO to the hitapu pin ministers. That's why people packed them and send them home. We don't think you have to tolerate them. You have the parliamentary power to pass any bill which is costly to the new government. Do not hesitate.

1 4

AJ Monday, 02 December 2024 01:31 PM

Many commentators of DM suggested prior to elections,propose something parallel to NPP promises, but they were unable to do so, as a result they lost quite a lot of floating votes

0 5

Dr Ron Monday, 02 December 2024 06:42 PM

This is a completec180 degree turn .JVPers were testing the waters last 2-3 weeks to have all these ' benefits' to their MPs.But it seems they have realized majority of people are against it and they will end up losing all of their new found supporters because of it.Btw can not ignore the Local government polls which is just around the corner,right.

4 2

Romesh Monday, 02 December 2024 10:12 PM

Government and semi government officers obtained obtained third vehicle permits are given office transportation by hiring vehicles or in cash Rs.60,000/=. Is it fair ?

0 0

Kugan Ramanathan Tuesday, 03 December 2024 03:44 AM

I think the new PM is on the right track and I would suggest one more good point that is to sell these excess vehicles to Sri Lankan's living oversea and this way you get the foreign currency into Sri Lanka.

1 2

Kevin Tuesday, 03 December 2024 03:46 AM

Locally assembled cars for ministers. No imported luxury cars. This is how to promote local industry

0 3

IGNATIUS Tuesday, 03 December 2024 04:08 AM

NO MORE PERKS. I DONT WANT TO BE A MP. I WILL COME BACK WHEN THE PERKS START. TILL THEN ADIOS.

1 2

Ruben disty Tuesday, 03 December 2024 05:01 AM

We'll done Mr President majority are suffering due to financial abuse specialy by politicians in the past that benefited somuch for them self and close family friends.you really understand where the financial abuse come from get rid off all unnecessary expenses and stop all corruptions the pearl of Indian Ocean easly can find prosperity for majority suffering for somany years...keep up the good work where everyone else have failed...

2 3

FredSnR Tuesday, 03 December 2024 05:08 AM

A very good move at this juncture when the country needs financial restraint and discipline to rid itself of corruption and to operate within budgets. Reflecting a change in political culture, acting by example, can review when conditions improve. Will need public participation to make it work,.

1 3

A Supporter of Corrupt Politicians Tuesday, 03 December 2024 09:15 AM

If all these privileges are removed, we will not get brilliant guys like Nimal Siripala de Silva, Bandula Gunawardane, Pavitra, Harin Fernando, Johnston Fernando, Raththaran, and Kappam Prasanna. Keheliya will still be there because he has other means of getting money to have privileges.

2 2

ANNE CUNT Tuesday, 03 December 2024 02:04 PM

SRI-LANKA finally got a president who wants to develop the motherland

1 2

Abd Wednesday, 04 December 2024 10:20 AM

I feel some of new NPP government legislators are bit doubtful of curtailing of perks but after offering you executive presidency,we gave you 2/3 in parliament to do it fully and completely

0 0

Sal T Thursday, 05 December 2024 07:54 AM

Great! Just freeze the Assets of hoarders who create market manipulation ie rice, eggs,

0 0

EMILY JOACK Thursday, 05 December 2024 03:50 PM

SRI-LANKA FINALLY GOT A PROPER GOVERNMENT

0 0

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