Sources within the Ministry of Finance have confirmed that the Cabinet of Ministers has rejected a proposal to allocate a substantial allowance of Rs. 500,000 to Dhammika Dasanayake, the former Secretary General of the Parliament, who was appointed as the Secretary of the Constitutional Council.

The proposal, which sought to provide the substantial allowance to Mr. Dasanayake, was met with resistance within the Cabinet. Cabinet members reportedly expressed concerns about the sizable amount and the current fiscal climate, leading to the rejection of the proposal. As a result, the Cabinet has instructed the relevant authorities to reevaluate the allowance amount and present a revised proposal.

Traditionally, the Secretary General of the Parliament, who is currently in office, is appointed to the position of Secretary of the Constitutional Council. However, in this instance, the government opted to make a departure from the standard practice by appointing the former Secretary General to the role.

This decision has prompted discussions among a group of parliamentarians, including members from both the ruling party and the opposition. They have pointed out that if the current Secretary General of the Parliament were to follow the established procedure and assume the position within the Constitutional Council, it would obviate the need for significant additional allowances and privileges, potentially saving government funds.