The President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and all 159 National People’s Power Party members will forgo their salaries, donating them to a common fund, according to Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, Ratna Gamage.
He made this announcement during a blessing ceremony held at the Sri Khettarama Temple in Andayamgodella, Akmimana.
“We are adhering to this policy together. None of the 159 members, including ministers and deputy ministers, will receive salaries. Instead, these salaries will go into a common fund. This fund will manage basic expenses, and any remaining resources will be used to help the people. Ministers and deputy ministers will not have special privileges. We aim to ensure we are not a burden to the people,” said the Deputy Minister.
He emphasized the responsibility entrusted to them by the public:
“The people have given us power, and with it comes great responsibility. If we fail to deliver, the people will send us away. Politicians must always remember this. Our sole duty is to serve the people, not to indulge in personal pleasures or double standards.”
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the party’s commitment to reducing waste and corruption. “In the past, when a president was sworn in, the treasury spent nearly 200 million. However, Comrade Anura Kumara Dissanayake only conducted simple religious rituals during his swearing-in ceremony. Eliminating waste, corruption, and fraud is our priority.”
He concluded by calling for national unity and healing. “We must heal wounded hearts and unite broken ones. Only then can we change the attitudes of our people and move forward together.”
