with all 225 parliamentary seats filled by NPP representatives – how would these MPs function without regular salaries?

  The Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary, Mr. Tilvin Silva, recently claimed that the World Bank provided $200 million in fina...

 

The Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary, Mr. Tilvin Silva, recently claimed that the World Bank provided $200 million in financial assistance to the Sri Lankan government without the government having to formally request it. Speaking at a National People's Forces (NPP) election rally in Mirihana, Silva pointed out that this government has received unprecedented international support in comparison to previous administrations. “The World Bank has granted $200 million to our government in recent days, without us even asking, specifically for development projects,” he stated.

This claim prompts a critical discussion about what Silva referred to as “free money” – the notion that significant international funds are readily available without accountability. While Silva suggests that this government has enjoyed unusual leniency and support from foreign institutions, the broader economic and political reality challenges the perception that these funds are freely given without strings attached.

International financial institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other lenders have specific mandates and requirements that often involve comprehensive economic and social reform conditions in recipient countries. The recent $200 million may indeed be allocated for development, but it typically comes with stringent requirements for transparency, accountability, and the proper use of funds.

The NPP’s ideology and claims about “free money” also raise questions regarding the feasibility of running a government without traditional revenue sources. For example, if the NPP’s ideal scenario were to materialize – with all 225 parliamentary seats filled by NPP representatives – how would these MPs function without regular salaries? The NPP has long asserted that its members do not rely on the financial privileges of office but are supported by the “will of the people” and voluntary contributions from dedicated party cadres. However, managing an entire parliament of unpaid members poses a significant logistical challenge.

Moreover, it raises practical concerns about accountability and sustainability. While it may be feasible for a small group of volunteers to support a few representatives, expanding this model to encompass all MPs could strain even the most committed supporters. Could the JVP and NPP’s cadre system bear the financial and logistical weight of maintaining a fully voluntary parliament, without risking financial burdens on everyday supporters?

Another key issue is the expectation that international aid and support should be viewed as “free money.” This perspective can overlook the intricacies of financial responsibility and governance. Even grants or low-interest loans often come with indirect costs – such as conditions that influence domestic policy. International institutions do not offer financial support in perpetuity; they expect returns on investment, usually in the form of reforms that improve the economic environment or repay the investment through increased productivity and tax revenues.

For the NPP, moving forward with the idea of “free money” as a core belief could be politically advantageous in the short term but unsustainable in the long run. Public services, infrastructure, and social programs all require substantial and consistent funding. It is unlikely that international institutions would allow a long-term dependence without a robust economic plan and policy reforms.

In conclusion, Silva’s comments and the NPP’s broader platform suggest a need to reconcile their narrative of financial independence with the practical demands of governance and international cooperation. To genuinely achieve financial autonomy, any government must engage in proactive fiscal management and resource allocation – not simply rely on international “free money.” As Sri Lanka navigates its future, it remains essential to approach international aid responsibly, ensuring that it contributes to long-term stability and prosperity for the country and its people.