Reports indicate that nearly 20 ministers and deputy ministers have formally informed the Secretary General of Parliament that they no longer require the fuel allowance they are eligible for as Members of Parliament.
Previously, ministers had accepted the fuel allowance that came with their ministerial post as well as the one they were entitled to as MPs.
However, the aforementioned group of ministers have stated that the fuel allowance provided for their ministerial post is sufficient and that they do not require the MP fuel allowance.
Each MP is entitled to a fuel allowance based on the distance between their residence and Parliament.
According to parliamentary sources, a MP is entitled to a fuel allowance between Rs.250,000 – Rs.450,000. Accordingly, MPs representing the Northern Province receive the highest allowance.
This is reportedly the first time ministers have voluntarily declined the MP fuel allowance.
(Source: Lankadeepa)
