The Government yesterday (6) revealed in Parliament the extent of the compensation payouts the previous Government meted out to their members who became victims of arson and assault during the 2022 ‘aragalaya’ flare-up.

The scale of the compensation provided, and the parity of what has been paid in the past to citizens who lost their households due to natural and man-made disasters beggars belief. This revelation about how the former Government, which was made up of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and with the United National Party’s (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe at the helm, acted in a self-serving manner, while the nation was on its knees due to bankruptcy is emblematic of why so many citizens voted en masse for a change in the political order and culture of Sri Lanka.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed the Parliament of a list of 43 Members of Parliament (MPs) and former MPs who have allegedly received compensation from the Government for torched and damaged properties during the public uprising in 2022. He claimed that the total amount of compensation received by 43 former ministers and MPs is recorded as over Rs. 1.224 billion. While not to take away from the crime and unfortunate actions of arson, which some have claimed was well organised, and carried out by groups linked to the current Government, the compensation paid to the MP victims indicates why the polity of Sri Lanka has been accused of putting themselves first before the country. “Usually the maximum compensation that can be given in our country, even if it is a natural disaster or a complete loss, is Rs 2.5 million,” Minister Jayatissa said. According to the information presented to the Parliament by Minister Jayatissa, 10 former Government ministers had been provided compensation over Rs. 50 million each. Siripala Gamlath – Rs. 50.9 million, Arundika Fernando – Rs. 55.2 million, Sumith Udukumbura – Rs. 55.9 million, Prasanna Ranatunga – Rs. 56.1 million, Kokila Gunawardena – Rs. 58.7 million, Mohan De Silva – Rs. 60.1 million, Nimal Lanza – Rs 69.2 million, Ali Sabri Raheem – Rs. 70.9 million, Gamini Lokuge – Rs. 74.9 million, Johnston Fernando – Rs. 93. 4 million, and Keheliya Rambukwella – Rs. 95.9 million.

While the previous Government was serving itself with a bigger spoon, we must recall what became of those citizens who lost their homes and dwellings due to the 2016 Salawa Army camp armoury explosion. How much compensation were they afforded, and how long did that take? Were the same scales used as was used to decide the payout for the MPs who have been issued millions and millions of taxpayer rupees? What about the dozens who lost their lives and the families who lost their homes and dwellings when the massive garbage dump at Meethotamulla in Kolonnawa collapsed? How much compensation did those citizens get for their homes and loss of dwellings? Did anyone who lost their homes or property during the internal conflict, or earlier insurgency in 1971 receive a similar compensation payout?

Similarly, a group of patients who underwent cataract eye surgeries at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital and tragically had their eyesight weakened or went blind due to poor quality eye medication that had been purchased by the State, are still struggling to get decent compensation for themselves. Many of those who became victims of the scandal have launched a class action against the then minister of health, seeking compensation. It is indeed tragic and ironic that the same Member of the Parliament who was the health minister at the time and is today in remand custody has been given one of the biggest compensation payouts for the arson attacks.  

To the ordinary Joe, the information they received is only a confirmation of what they long knew, and the system they suffered under. This manner of prioritisation of those in power over those being governed must end. Yes, the arson attack was wrong, but serving oneself with a bigger spoon, especially when everyone is suffering, is indicative of poor leadership and statesmanship. Such emblematic symptoms of our corrupt and unjust governance system must be changed.