Travel costs keep outstation MPs away from Parliament

A notable number of lawmakers were absent from a special sitting of Parliament held yesterday (30).

According to sources, several MPs representing remote constituencies including areas such as Jaffna and southern areas of the country, opted to skip the special sitting due to travel costs.

It is estimated that an MP travelling from Jaffna to Colombo could incur expenses exceeding Rs. 50,000 for a round trip.

The special sitting, convened from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., was mandated under the State Finance Management Act No. 44 of 2024 to present the Government’s revenue strategy statement.

However, with attendance from distant areas falling short, several MPs from the Western Province and neighbouring districts were called in to ensure the necessary quorum was maintained.