Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday said that the steps have already been taken to increase the prices of the meal for the Parliamentary staff.
Making an announcement in the Parliament the Speaker made this observation.He added that with the increase of the food items in the market, the prices of the meals for the Parliamentary staff too was decided to be increased.
He said further that it is misleading to put the entire expenditure on the food in Parliament to the account of the Parliamentarians since parliament prepares meals for an estimated number of 100 to 125 MPs only on eight sitting days a month whereas parliament provides meals for above 1,500 for permanent staff and others on a day to day basis. He added that the members are provided meals on a day to day basis during the 26 days when the Budget proposal is being debated. He said further that hence the Parliament provides meals for 850 permanent Parliament staff, 350 Parliament Police division, 150 security staff, 150 attached staff members and nearly 30 media personnel on a day to day basis.
He also said that a group of 55 MPs have requested him to make provisions to provide them with a packet of meals at a reasonable price. He added that the matter is being discussed at the Parliamentary Business Committee and discussed on June 2 as well.
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