The main opposition United National Party (UNP) said yesterday it would oppose the recent Cabinet decision to grant a monthly telephone allowance of Rs.40,000 to MPs instead of two fixed lines provided to them with unlimited call facilities.Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga said the two fixed lines with unlimited call facilities as at present should be continued.
“It is the only benefit opposition MPs have. If they limit it to an allowance of Rs.40,000 the MPs will face difficulties,” he said. In addition to the two fixed telecom lines, the MPs are also provided with a mobile phone allowance of Rs.4,000 a month. The monthly allowance of Rs.40,000 will be effective from January next year.