Special status for House staff ruled out

State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has declared that the country was in such a bad situation that Parliament staff cannot be given special treatment.

The State Minister said so on Tuesday (13) in response to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s push to extend the retirement age of Parliament staff, contrary to the government’s decision to retire public servants at the age of 60, as part of the overall measures to address the continuing crippling economic crisis.

When the Speaker asked the SLFPer whether he couldn’t abide by the appeal of the parliamentary staff, lawmaker Siyambalapitiya said that the government decision couldn’t be reversed, under any circumstances.

The State Minister emphasized that the issue didn’t concern the Parliament.

The one-time Deputy Finance Minister dismissed SJB leader Sajith Premadasa claim that at a meeting attended by four persons, namely the Speaker, Susil Premajayantha, Siyambalapitiya and himself, the State Finance Minister had agreed to extend the retirement age.

Lawmaker Premadasa alleged that having agreed with them, the State Finance Minister went back on his word.

Lawmaker Siyambalapitiya asked the Opposition Leader to peruse the minutes of the said meeting.

Recently, the Parliament warned the media over the reportage of a move to extend the service of Secretary General of Parliament, Dhammika Dasanayake (SF)