All government MPs agree on the abolition of MP pensions

This comes after Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake submitted a private member's motion to discontinue MP pensions, a move that has garnered support across party lines.

Dr. Amarasuriya expressed satisfaction that the issue of reducing parliamentary privileges and ending MP pensions, which has been under discussion since 2001, is finally being addressed. She welcomed the proposal by Karunanayake and stated that all members of Parliament, including the government, stand united in favor of this change.

However, the Prime Minister also expressed disappointment that some opposition members had not fully embraced the motion. Despite broad consensus on the matter, she pointed out that certain members continue to discuss unrelated topics instead of supporting the motion aimed at reducing parliamentary privileges.

In addition to the pension reform discussion, Dr. Amarasuriya commented on the ongoing trial regarding the 2009 murder of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga. 

She lamented that no previous government had taken action to bring the case to a conclusion, but expressed hope that the current government's efforts to reopen the trial in 2025 would fulfill its promise to seek justice for the crime.

The Prime Minister's remarks reflect her administration’s commitment to reducing parliamentary perks while also addressing long-standing issues such as the unresolved case of Lasantha Wickramatunga’s murder.