President Reveals High Rent Costs of Former Presidents' Residences

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed the high costs associated with the residences of former Presidents, emphasizing the need for significant reforms. 

He said that it was estimated that Mahinda Rajapaksa's house in Wijerama, which sits on an acre and 13 perches of land, is worth Rs. 350 million, with a monthly rent of Rs. 4.6 million. 

Similarly, Chandrika Kumaratunga's house, which is over 9,000 square feet and includes additional space for security personnel and office use, totals over 15,000 square feet and has a monthly rent of Rs. 2 million. 

Maithripala Sirisena currently resides in a smaller house with a monthly rent of Rs. 900,000.

He expressed gratitude to Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who, after leaving office, did not take a government house and returned to his own home. Hema Premadasa also returned her government house following public scrutiny. A committee was formed to investigate the matter, resulting in Gotabaya Rajapaksa returning his house. However, three former Presidents—Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, and Mahinda Rajapaksa—still retain their government houses.

In a bold move to promote political ethics and transparency, President Dissanayake announced the abolition of pensions for Members of Parliament (MPs) and former Presidents. 

He stated that these changes would be introduced to Parliament very soon.

Additionally, vehicle permits for MPs will no longer be issued. Instead, MPs will be provided with a government vehicle during their term, which must be returned upon completion of their service.

The President clarified that this decision is not a personal vendetta but a fulfillment of the mandate given by the people. 

President Dissanayake emphasized the need for political ethics, stating that he would not require a house or security after his retirement. He called for a political culture where leaders use only what is necessary while in office and make sacrifices for the country's betterment.

Regarding the Presidential residences, the government is evaluating all properties to determine how they can be used for economic benefits. Proposals include converting the Presidential residence in Nuwara Eliya into a hotel and using the one in Jaffna for an IT university. The aim is to utilize these properties in ways that benefit the economy and society.