Colombo, Jan 4: Sri Lanka has taken a formal legislative step toward abolishing the parliamentary pension scheme, with the gazetting of a bill that seeks to end pension benefits for Members of Parliament and their spouses.
The proposed Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Act, 2025 aims to repeal the existing pension law enacted in 1977, under which MPs became eligible for lifetime pensions after completing a single five-year term.
The government said the move aligns with commitments made under its policy framework, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” and reflects broader efforts to reform long-standing political privileges.
Officials have clarified that the repeal will apply prospectively, ensuring that pensions already disbursed will not be reclaimed. However, once the legislation comes into force, no new pension entitlements will be granted under the scheme.
The bill follows a structured approval process within government. Cabinet granted policy clearance in mid-2025, after which the draft legislation received legal clearance from the Attorney General. In November, the Cabinet approved the publication of the bill in the Gazette and its submission to Parliament, acting on a proposal from the Minister of Justice and National Integration.
According to official figures, as of January 25, 2024, pension payments were being made to 330 former lawmakers, while 182 spouses of deceased MPs were also receiving benefits, taking the total number of beneficiaries to over 500.
If passed by Parliament, the repeal would bring an end to a pension system that has been in place for nearly five decades, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to post-parliamentary benefits for elected representatives.
