Political debate over privileges granted to former presidents in Sri Lanka

The office of Sri Lankan President and National People Power (NPP) party leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also denied reports that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security had been reduced. File | Photo Credit: Reuters

“The Sri Lanka Cabinet sub-committee will soon review the privileges granted to former Presidents of the country and future actions on the matter will be taken in line with its recommendations,” the Presidential Secretariat said.

Minister Anura Kumara DissanayakeIn the statement made on Friday, November 2, 2024, he also denied the reports that the former president’s security was ensured. Mahinda Rajapaksa reduced.

The statement by the Presidential Secretariat came after former Presidents expressed concerns that the new Sri Lankan government under President Dissanayake would reduce their privileges.

On the way to the race 21 September electionMr Dissanayake had vowed to stop all perks of former Presidents, claiming they were a burden on taxpayers.

In recent days, the Government has come under criticism for the reported move to cut off personal security provided to former President Rajapaksa.

“The Presidential Secretariat has drawn attention to recent media reports alleging that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security has been reduced,” the statement said.

“The Presidential Secretariat states that all these reports are false,” he added.

It was also stated that a Cabinet subcommittee was established to evaluate the privileges of former Presidents and future decisions and actions will be taken in line with the recommendations of the committee.

Opposition party leaders launched an attack on Mr. Dissanayake, saying he would be responsible for any security breaches against Mr. Rajapaksa because he was under threat from LTTE separatists for ending their decades-long military campaign.

Former President Ranil WickremesingheSpeaking at an election rally, he criticized the Government’s attempt to reduce the privileges of former Presidents.

Sri Lanka has six living former Presidents or their widows and their privileges are provided under the Presidential Privileges Act 1986.