Coconut falls in the off-season alias Poor attendance of MPs

According to modern democracy, the ruling power belongs to the people. Since not all citizens can be rulers, representatives have to be appointed to govern on their behalf. Accordingly, they maintain them with public money.

MPs are entitled to a salary. Further 100,000 per month for running an office, a fuel allowance. Monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000  for mobile phones, Rs. 175,000 value postal facilities and many more are entitled as other allowances

The cost of a parliamentary session is close to 30 million. There must be a minimum of 21 members, including the  Chair Member, required to hold a legitimate parliament session. In the absence of this participation, Parliament has in many cases been adjourned.

Most MPs come to parliament like “coconut falls in the off-season”. Sometimes they mark attendance, have food from the charity canteen, and leave with the Rs 2,500 which paid off on attendance.

Some MPs attend Parliament only once in three months. That also to prevent the cancellation of their parliamentary seat. Some have addressed the House only once or twice during the entire parliamentary term.

The current Minister of Law and Order Tiran Alles has participated in Parliament only once in the last two and a half years.

In short, Parliament is a place where it can get a lifetime retirement by speaking a few words and also a place where staging  Scenes of fighting and comedy.

However, some time ago, the whole country was watching the debates of great personalities like Lalith Athulathmudali, Gamini Dissanayake, Lakshman Kadirgamar, etc. at the parliament.We must force party leaders to nominate such personalities as candidates and people must ensure that such candidates are sent to Parliament.