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

By Ajith Siriwardana   

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 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 the revolvers provided for MPs. He said MPs who had  purchased personal firearms can keep them, subject to conditions of the  permit.