COLOMBO : The Sri Lankan government has begun implementing the newly passed law that revokes special privileges previously granted to former Presidents, including the use of official residences.
Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted that some former Presidents have lived in government residences for decades, even after retirement, citing examples of individuals who held office for extended periods and continued to occupy state housing under various titles.
“One former President lived in government housing for 31 years—first as President, then as Prime Minister, and later as a former President. Another lived in state housing from 1984 to 2015 as a minister, then as President, and continues to do so. Some even had their children born, schooled, married, and raising families—all while residing in these official residences. This has become an anomaly.”
Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that the government has a public mandate to change this political culture and has acted accordingly by passing a law that applies even to the current President once his term ends.
When asked whether the government has a plan to generate revenue from these high-value properties, Dr. Jayatissa noted that once the properties are fully handed over, the government will assess their financial and market value to determine how best to utilize them for economically productive purposes.
In response to a question about where foreign heads of state would meet former Presidents now, Dr. Jayatissa said they can still meet at private residences.
