Two resolutions were passed recently in Sri Lanka Parliament to increase the salaries of the Parliamentarians. These resolutions were passed ahead of the budget which is being discussed at the committee stage.

The proposal to raise the salaries of the Parliamentarians is not an ordinary increase. It has been increased by two times.

According to the proposed salary increase the Prime Minister’s salary will be equivalent to that of the Chief Justice. The salary of the Speaker will be equal to that of the Attorney General.

The salary of the Lankan President which was 61,250 in January 2006 will be increased to Rs 97,500 in January 2007. What is unique about this matter is that no member belonging to any political party expressed any opinion on this bill on the floor of the House and that it was passed unanimously.

A few months ago, when this question of salary increase for Parliamentarians came up for discussion, there were criticisms that such increase is unfair in view of the economic crisis the country is facing and the rise in cost of living.

Will these Parliamentarians who raised their hands in favour of a salary increase for themselves and for arrears strive to take steps to increase the salaries of public and private sector employees?.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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