sri-lankan-government-slashes-ministers-benefits-limits-privileges

The Sri Lankan government has introduced stringent new regulations aimed at curbing the privileges of its ministers, in a move designed to address public concerns over political entitlement and to promote accountability.

A circular issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday outlined the restrictions, including a cap on the number of official vehicles assigned to Cabinet and deputy ministers, limiting them to two vehicles each.

Additional cuts have been imposed on fuel allowances and monthly payments for office, residential, and mobile phone expenses.

The regulations also place a cap on the number of support staff ministers can employ, restricting Cabinet ministers to a maximum of 15 personnel, while deputy ministers may employ no more than 12.

Furthermore, the government has prohibited the appointment of family members or close relatives to key positions such as Private Secretary, Coordinating Secretary, Media Secretary, or Public Relations Secretary.

These measures come in the wake of growing public dissatisfaction with the level of privilege granted to politicians, particularly in light of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s controversial use of state resources.

The debate over Rajapaksa’s entitlements has intensified following the government’s decision to reduce his personal security detail, which was cut from over 300 personnel to just 60 in December.

Dissanayake, speaking at a public rally earlier this week, criticised Rajapaksa for occupying a costly state mansion and vowed that it would be reclaimed.

“His house would be taken and only a rent equal to one-third of his pension would be paid,” Dissanayake stated.

The move has sparked a fierce backlash from opposition groups, who accuse Dissanayake of using his position to exact political revenge on Rajapaksa, a key figure in ending Sri Lanka’s decades-long Tamil separatist conflict.

“Mahinda Rajapaksa’s personal security is under threat. The government wants to put him out on the road,” said Sagara Kariyawasam, a spokesman for Rajapaksa’s party.

The opposition argues that the privileges extended to former presidents are enshrined in Sri Lanka’s Constitution and reinforced by an act of Parliament passed in 1986.

However, the new government maintains that it is fulfilling its pre-election promise to curtail the privileges of politicians and reduce public dissatisfaction with the political class.