Of curbing the insane appetite for ministerial portfolios

An interim Government cannot succeed in bringing vital ‘system changes’ without broad consensus and blessings of the ‘225’. It is evident that the advent of an ‘all-party/multi-party interim Govt.’ is being thwarted by several political parties criticising the untimely appointment of MPs with tarnished records as Ministers and State Ministers in large numbers. 

It is reported that a circular has been issued to curb this insane appetite for ministerial portfolios by withdrawing multiple perks and fringe benefits such as luxurious office premises and opportunity to appoint special staff from the kith and kin, pompous security staff, lavish fuel and utility allowances over and above those enjoyed by normal MPs.

No room must be left for complaints arising from ignoring the provisions of this circular leading to media criticism that will negate the spirit of the circular. The incentives of power and recognition attached to their posts with free media publicity are more than ample for them to perform their duties and responsibilities efficiently.

In one of the writer’s recent articles to the press, it was proposed that an independent commission be appointed to review and recommend more realistic packages of salaries and perks/fringe benefits to all ministers, MPs and all politicians and political appointees who presently give a negative return to the taxpayer sans any accountability. 

As sovereign voters with country at heart we earnestly appeal to all political parties to stop their power projects during this interim but crucial period and work towards bringing the critical ‘system changes’ sought by our peaceful and intelligent new generation, into the statute books and prepare the pitch for holding free and fair elections based on a new Sri Lankan model of true democracy, meritocracy and accuracy.

Let us not allow another curse of the ‘225’!

Bernard Fernando

Moratuwa