-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -31.Aug.2024, 9.00 pm) Sri Lankan politicians have long enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by taxpayers, raising serious concerns about the country's financial accountability, especially given its current economic struggles. These politicians receive numerous perks, including vehicle permits, free accommodation, and generous food allowances. Some even demand free meals in Parliament, and their children’s education in Colombo is often funded by the state. This extends to the use of state-funded servants and drivers for personal and family needs, all while they enjoy air-conditioned homes and foreign medical allowances.
One shocking example is the Health Minister's decision to seek medical treatment in Singapore at the taxpayers' expense, a move that has sparked outrage. A leading diplomat recently questioned how Sri Lankan politicians can continue to indulge in such luxuries while the country faces bankruptcy. The diplomat pointed out that billions of rupees of taxpayers' money are spent on the well-being of these politicians, many of whom enjoy lavish lifestyles.
Politicians are frequently seen dining at high-end venues near the Parliament, with bills sometimes reaching as high as 500,000 rupees, often paid by business associates. Moreover, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official working with the Sri Lankan finance ministry has raised concerns about the questionable funding sources for the luxurious homes of many politicians. It's reported that 195 parliamentarians have significant business interests and large investment portfolios, despite the country's dire financial situation.
This "gravy train" has even extended to loans from Parliament for sending their children abroad for education, while these same politicians are responsible for shaping national education policies. The disparity between Sri Lankan politicians and their counterparts in other nations is stark. In many countries, politicians receive only a monthly salary, with no additional perks such as vehicle allowances, household utility payments, or free travel and medical care abroad.
One particularly egregious example is the President of Sri Lanka, who maintains nine presidential residences across the island at a cost of billions of rupees. His travel expenses alone, using Sri Lankan Air Force helicopters, have amounted to 2.5 billion rupees, and he travels with a convoy of 12 vehicles.
As the nation approaches the elections on September 21st, the public faces a critical choice: continue supporting politicians who waste taxpayers' money on personal luxuries, or demand a change in leadership that prioritizes the country's financial health. The ongoing "gravy train" of perks and privileges for politicians must come to an end if Sri Lanka is to overcome its economic challenges and build a more sustainable future
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by (2024-08-31 15:39:24)
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