Former MPs cannot use diplomatic passport now: Secretary General of Parliament

Colombo, October 1 (Daily Mirror)- Parliamentarians are not eligible to use their diplomatic passports after dissolution of Parliament and they need to obtain normal passports if they need to travel overseas, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said yesterday.

She told the media that parliamentarians are not entitled to the privileges such as diplomatic passports, allowances, insurance schemes, telephone allowances etc. after the dissolution of parliament.

She said that however, former MPs have been permitted to occupy the houses allocated to MPs at the Madiwela Housing Complex until the conclusion of the general elections.

Responding to a question, she said vehicles provided by Parliament to the staff of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairman of Committees have been returned, adding that it is compulsory as per the Anti-Corruption Act.

Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne said all MPs except for members of the Constitutional Council have been asked to return their revolvers provided for MPs. He said MPs who had purchased personal firearms can keep them, subject to conditions of the permit.