February 19, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya today (19) set out in Parliament the range of salaries and benefits presently granted to Members of Parliament, responding to a query raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri.
Addressing the House, the Prime Minister provided a breakdown of the financial provisions allocated to legislators, noting that these payments are intended to facilitate their official responsibilities rather than serve as personal perks.
Under the current framework, an MP receives a basic monthly allowance of Rs. 54,285, along with a modest entertainment allowance of Rs. 1,000. A driver’s allowance of Rs. 3,500 is also payable, though this sum is not granted where a driver is assigned through the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
In addition, MPs are entitled to a telephone allowance of Rs. 50,000 per month and a transport allowance of Rs. 15,000. To support constituency-related work and administrative expenses, an office allowance of Rs. 100,000 is provided.
Parliamentarians are also compensated for attendance. A daily payment of Rs. 2,500 is made for sitting days, with an equivalent amount granted for participation in committee meetings held on days when Parliament is not in session.
Fuel allowances are calculated separately, based on the distance between a member’s electoral district and the parliamentary complex. For National List MPs, the monthly allocation is fixed at 419.76 litres of diesel, reimbursed at the prevailing market rate determined on the first working day of each month.
Dr Amarasuriya emphasised that the structure of these allowances is designed to cover operational costs, travel commitments and communication needs linked to parliamentary duties. She added that transparency in public expenditure remains a priority of the government, particularly at a time when fiscal discipline and accountability are under close public scrutiny.