Committee appointed to review entitlements for MPs, ex-Presidents

Colombo, Oct 1 (Daily Mirror) - The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Prime Minister to form a committee tasked with reviewing the entitlements, allowances and privileges granted to Members of Parliament, Ministers and Ex-Presidents.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said the committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge K.T. Chithrasiri and will also include D. Dissanayaka, a retired Secretary to the Ministry and Ms. Jayantha C.T. Bulumulla, a retired District Secretary. 

The government has to bear a significant cost annually from public taxes to provide these various entitlements, allowances and privileges and the government has recognised the necessity of minimising this huge expenditure at the present fiscal capacity. 

The three-member committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report within two months, outlining suitable recommendations to limit unnecessary expenditures or propose alternative methods for these entitlements.