Parliament yesterday passed the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which was signed into law the same day, stripping former Presidents and their widows of official residences, transport, and secretariat allowances. Pensions will continue for now, but the government plans to abolish them under the new Constitution.
The Bill, introduced on August 7, 2025, by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, repeals the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, originally enacted during President J.R. Jayewardene’s tenure. The second reading debate began at 11:30 a.m., with the vote concluding around 3:30 p.m., passing by 151 votes in favor and one against.
Among living former Presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga had occupied official residences, while Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe did not accept housing facilities. Additionally, Hema Premadasa, widow of late President R. Premadasa, was using residential facilities.
Government MP Lakmali Hemachandra stated the residences will be repurposed for commercially viable or productive uses, adding, “We are going to set an example for a new political culture.” Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara noted that pension benefits for former Presidents could be abolished once the new Constitution is enacted.
