Taking part in the debate on Sri Lanka’s interim budget, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kabir Hashim criticized the lack of changes in presidential expenditures despite a change in leadership. Speaking in Parliament, he stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has allocated the same Rs. 1.4 trillion for presidential expenditures that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had allocated for the same purpose.
Hashim reminded the house that during his campaign, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had criticized Ranil Wickremesinghe for leading an extravagant lifestyle, which included riding helicopters and driving super-luxury vehicles. Dissanayake had promised to cut down on such excessive spending upon becoming president. However, according to Hashim, those promises have not been fulfilled.
“There is no visible change in the interim budget regarding the President’s expenses. In 2024, President Ranil Wickremesinghe spent Rs. 1.4 trillion from January to April under the presidential expenditure head. In 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been allocated the same Rs. 1.4 trillion for the same period. What is the difference? The system has not changed. Only Anura has replaced Ranil. Explain this,” Hashim emphasized.
