Sri Lanka, March 26 -- These practices resonated with the people, perhaps because of the ingrained respect for the Sangha and the laity's obligations toward them. It is not surprising that even five decades later and now in power, some of those practices live on as ideals in the minds of the decision makers (and have the implicit support of the public).

Official payments to MPs

The basic salary of an MP is Rs. 54,285 a month. In 2019, before rampant inflation drove up all prices and before utility costs were adjusted to cover actual costs, the average household expenditure was Rs. 63,130, according to the government. Now it's much higher. The salary is insufficient to meet the basic requirements of a household.

Not only is the governme...