Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has criticised the government’s decision to cancel pension entitlements for former Members of Parliament, describing it as a symbolic move driven by political optics rather than economic necessity.
In a detailed statement, Sabry said the sums involved in MP pensions are negligible and would not meaningfully contribute to economic recovery, deficit reduction, or improvements in public services. He argued that the decision serves no real economic purpose and is instead aimed at satisfying short-term political sentiment.
Sabry warned that the move would cause real harm, noting that some former MPs depend on the pension as their only means of securing a dignified retirement after years of public service. He stressed that abolishing the pension does not punish corruption, but rather penalises those who did not enrich themselves while in office.
He further cautioned that the decision sends a dangerous signal about political participation in Sri Lanka, effectively restricting public life to the ultra-wealthy, those with inherited resources, or individuals sustained by party machinery. According to Sabry, capable and independent citizens without financial privilege would be discouraged from entering politics, undermining democratic participation.
Sabry also warned that the move could narrow political space and quietly encourage a one-party-dominant culture, which he said would be incompatible with Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions. He emphasised that reforms should strengthen democracy and that justice must be targeted rather than theatrical.
He suggested that a more reasonable approach would have been to make the pension optional and subject to application and scrutiny, instead of imposing a blanket abolition.
In a postscript, Sabry clarified that he has never applied for a parliamentary pension and is not entitled to one, as his term in Parliament was less than five years. He called for serious public debate on the issue, warning against celebrating a decision that could have long-term consequences for Sri Lanka’s democracy.
