MPs like Oliver Twist ask for more

By Norman Palihawadana

A large number of MPs were complaining that they are not able to attend parliamentary sessions because the fuel allowance is not enough, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told The Island yesterday.

“A number of MPs have told me that they find it difficult to attend parliamentary sessions. When I ask them, they say that the fuel allowance isn’t enough,” the Speaker said.

Abeywardena said that it was difficult to increase the fuel allowance of MPs at a time when the country is facing a grave economic crisis.

A few weeks ago there were reports that the monthly fuel allowance of MPs would be increased to 200,000 rupees. The Speaker said that it was unlikely that the fuel allowance of MPs would be increased.