Sri Lanka, Feb. 17 -- The Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill has been passed in Parliament without amendments.

The Bill seeking to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented to Parliament on January 7 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara.

The Bill was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court on its constitutionality. However, following the consideration of the Bill, the Supreme Court determined that no provision in the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, and that it can be enacted by Parliament with a simple majority.

Accordingly, the debate on the second reading of the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill took place in Parliament today...