February 17, Colombo (LNW): A pivotal debate on legislation seeking to abolish the parliamentary pension scheme is set to take place in Parliament today (17), marking a significant moment in the Government’s reform agenda.
The second reading of the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill will be debated from 11.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m., according to the Office of the Secretary-General of Parliament. Proceedings will begin at 9.30 a.m. under the chairmanship of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, with the morning session reserved for routine parliamentary business and oral questions before the House moves on to the main item of the day.
The Bill, which proposes the complete removal of pension entitlements for Members of Parliament, has generated considerable public interest and political discussion, with supporters describing it as a step towards greater accountability and critics raising concerns about its long-term implications for parliamentary service.
In addition to the pensions debate, lawmakers are expected to consider a motion seeking approval to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing existing election laws. The proposed committee would be mandated to examine current legislation, identify shortcomings and submit recommendations aimed at modernising and strengthening the electoral framework.
The House is convening for the second parliamentary week of February, which will run until 20 February 2026, and a packed legislative agenda has been scheduled.
On Tuesday (18 February), members are due to deliberate on three regulations introduced under the Special Commodity Levy Act, as well as two orders made under the Motor Traffic Act, with debates and votes expected to follow.
The legislative focus will shift on 19 February to proposed amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act, both of which are set to be taken up at the second reading stage.
Proceedings for the week will conclude on Friday (20 February) with an Opposition-led Adjournment Motion entitled “Issues Prevailing in the Energy Sector”, which is likely to spark a wide-ranging debate on the country’s power supply challenges, pricing structures and long-term energy policy.