President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa must vacate his current government residence, assuring that a suitable house will be provided if necessary.
Speaking at a public meeting in Galgamuwa, the President firmly stated:
“I will not allow Rajapaksa to retain this residence under any circumstances.”
Controlled Vehicle Imports to Prevent Economic Shock
Addressing the lifting of vehicle import restrictions, President Dissanayake emphasized a cautious approach:
- Vehicle imports for personal use are now permitted after years of restrictions.
- A sudden surge in demand for dollars could create economic instability.
- Prices may initially rise but are expected to stabilize over time.
Cutting Government Waste
The President underscored efforts to reduce wasteful spending, revealing that his own budget has been slashed by 50%:
“People asked us to stop politicians’ waste. We did it. We will not waste public funds.”
Rajapaksa Residence Controversy
President Dissanayake criticized the extravagant size and expenses of Rajapaksa’s residence:
- 30,500 square feet for just two people.
- Rs. 470 million spent on past renovations.
- Rajapaksa’s family wealth contradicts claims of having no place to live.
“This is not revenge—this is about stopping waste. If he doesn’t have a place, we will provide one. But he must return the current residence.”
