Under the provisions of the newly enacted Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, former presidents of Sri Lanka are now required to return their state-allocated official residences.
Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga are currently residing in official residences, but as per the law passed in Parliament on Wednesday (10), they are no longer entitled to such privileges.
Accordingly, reports indicate that Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to vacate his official residence today (11) and return to his private residence, the Carlton House in Hambantota. Political sources further suggest that Sirisena and Kumaratunga will also be required to return their residences to the state.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government announced that if residences are not surrendered as required, written notices will be issued demanding compliance. The Ministry added that it will act strictly in line with the new Act.
The Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament yesterday with a majority of 150 votes. During the second reading, held between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., 151 MPs voted in favour, while only one voted against. The Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, later endorsed the certification of the Bill.
Presented to Parliament on 7 August 2025 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, the legislation repeals the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.
With the repeal, the following benefits are abolished:
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State-provided residences and monthly allowances for former presidents or their widows
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Monthly secretarial allowances, official transport, and other facilities previously provided
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Pensions paid to widows of former presidents
The Ministry confirmed that the new provisions will be implemented without exception.
