President to block MP salary increment

Colombo (News1st) - The hot topic of discussion over the past few days has been reports of a possible 215% pay increase for all Parliamentarians. On Friday the speaker of Parliament issued a statement that a final decision is yet to reached on the matter. On Saturday President Maithripala issued an emphatic statement that he will not allow the Government to increase the salaries of all parliamentarians in this manner. Addressing an event in Polonnaruwa the head of state noted that he witnessed media reports of the possible salary increase. While stating that he will not allow salaries of parliamentarians to increase by at least a cent, President Maithripala Sirisena noted that he will block any such proposal when it reaches cabinet. While highlighting that this is not the time for salaries of MPs and Ministers to be raised, the President reminded the general public that over the past 3 years they have taken steps to increase the allowances granted to them. President Sirisena revealed that as the head of state he receives a monthly salary of Rs 95,000 and that he does not receive any other allowances.