Several former Presidents of Sri Lanka have expressed dissatisfaction over the seating arrangements made for them at a recent state function held at the BMICH, and are now reconsidering whether to attend future government events, according to the media.
Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ranil Wickremesinghe were invited to the event, but reportedly found the seating provided to be inappropriate for their status as former Heads of State.
It has been a longstanding custom to accord former Presidents prominent front-row seats at official and diplomatic events, especially those attended by the incumbent President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. However, the recent deviation from this protocol has caused frustration.
Speaking anonymously, one former President told media that the group felt disrespected and excluded. “In the future, if there is an invitation by the government for an event, we will discuss it among ourselves and decide whether to attend or not. We did not even attend the War Heroes’ Commemoration organized by the government as a result,” he said.
In addition to the seating issue, the former Presidents are also concerned about a reduction in their official privileges under the current administration, including cuts to security personnel, vehicles, and allowances.
