President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, speaking at a public gathering in Katukurunda, Kalutara, announced that the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, valued at a monthly rental of 4.6 million rupees, will soon be taken over. However, he added that Rajapaksa could opt to stay there by paying a rent of 4 million rupees per month.
The President revealed that he had obtained an official valuation from the government, estimating the property’s value at 700 million rupees, excluding the value of the land.
Dissanayaka also mentioned that former presidents are entitled to a housing allowance amounting to one-third of their salary, and assured that Mahinda Rajapaksa will receive this allowance.
Furthermore, the President emphasized that he would issue a written statement confirming that he would not use government funds for private housing. He also vowed to implement changes to prevent future presidents from enjoying such luxuries.
In addition, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka addressed the police force’s shortage of 21,000 personnel, stressing that the government could no longer afford to provide convoys of police officers to escort politicians.
He also pointed out that government ministers are not being provided official residences, and that current members of parliament will no longer receive vehicle permits.
